Source: Daily_Mail
Local boy Carroll hoping to boost Newcastle's survival hopes
Andy Carroll wants to play his part in Newcastle's survival bid - and he has Alan Shearer's backing to do so.
The 19-year-old striker scored his third of the season to earn Newcastle a point at Stoke on Saturday.
New boss Alan Shearer has told Carroll and fellow youth striker Nile Ranger they will remain in his first team squad until the end of the season.
And Gateshead-born Carroll wants to play his part for his boyhood hero to keep Newcastle in the Barclays Premier League.
Carroll said: 'I need to stay fit now, keep doing everything the gaffer tells me and hopefully win a place in the team.
'I was delighted to get a goal at Stoke because it was a goal we really needed. It was an unbelievable feeling to see it going in and my head was still buzzing after the game.
'We are now two points behind Sunderland and we are confident we can get out of trouble and we have got another massive game at Tottenham this week.'
Shearer is hoping to have Mark Viduka and Joey Barton back in his squad by the weekend but Steven Taylor is still struggling with an ankle injury which could force him out of Saturday's trip to White Hart Lane.
With Obafemi Martins's commitment to the cause being questioned after his late withdrawal at Stoke, the return of Aussie veteran Viduka is welcome news for Shearer.
The former Leeds and Middlesbrough striker helped his previous clubs escape the drop previously and Shearer is hoping for a similar impact before he leaves the club in the summer. But he will not be afraid to turn to youth either.
Shearer said: 'Mark is another one showing great desire. There is a fine balance with him regarding his fitness but all being well he'll join in full training this week.
'A fit Mark Viduka would be massively important. He, along with Michael and Oba, at this stage last year when they were playing together up front and they were the main reason we got out of trouble last year.
'If we can get Mark fit and out on the pitch for an hour or so that's what we're aiming to do.
'I've been very impressed by Nile and Andy. I was aware of Nile looking from the outside but when you start to work with players a little bit closer you learn a bit more about them.
'I don't know what's gone on or been said in the past - that's irrelevant but they've shown a real hunger and desire to be part of it. With their attitude in training and in the games they've shown my staff they want to be part of it.'
