Source: PA
Carroll keeps feet on the ground
Andy Carroll will not allow himself to get carried away after taking the first step towards filling the legendary Alan Shearer's boots.
Carroll has been handed the number nine shirt worn with such distinction by the former Magpies skipper, as well as the likes of Jackie Milburn and Malcolm Macdonald before him and the 21-year-old Geordie repaid manager Chris Hughton's confidence in him with a superb hat-trick in Sunday's stunning 6-0 demolition of Aston Villa.
An approving Shearer was among the crowd at St James' Park to witness the feat, as were England boss Fabio Capello's lieutenants Franco Baldini and Stuart Pearce.
However, England Under-21 international Carroll, who has been courted by Scotland on the senior international front and has also attracted interest from a series of Barclays Premier League competitors, is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
He said: "I just concentrate on myself. I know I can play football and score goals like I did, and that's what I go out there to do.
"Obviously, it's great for people to see what I can do, but I'm just happy with the three points and all the lads playing like they did."
