Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Hughton plays down Carroll snub

07 Oct 2010 - 09:35:01

Click To Enlarge

Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton is confident that striker Andy Carroll will not be affected by the recent speculation linking him with a call-up to the senior England squad.

The 21-year-old frontman was eventually omitted from the party for the European Championship qualifier against Montenegro, but Hughton is not too worried about Carroll's well-being.

He told the Northern Echo: "I don't think Andy will have been affected by the fact he wasn't selected by England.

"There was a lot of speculation in the media and I'm sure he was aware of that, but I don't think he is upset.

"He knows he is still a young player and is still learning. He won't worry about it, he will just get on with it.

"He has had a very good start to the season, but he is still developing. He is gaining experience all the time and that is the good thing.

"He is going to get better and better, I am confident about that."