Source: DSG
50 Rising Stars to watch in the Premier League: No 10 Andy Carroll
Football.co.uk's countdown continues with a player fast becoming Newcastle United's newest local hero.
Name: Andrew Thomas Carroll
Born: 6 January 1989 (Age 21)
International Honours: England U21 (5 caps, 2 goals)
Born and bred in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, Andy Carroll stands on the verge of a senior England call up after a superb run of form over the last 18 months.
The 6ft 4in striker, who has drawn comparisons with Toon legend Alan Shearer, had a breakthrough season for the north-east club last term, bagging 19 goals in all competitions.
This followed a gradual rise through the club's youth system and an unsuccessful loan spell at Preston North End during the 2007-08 season.
On the international stage he has appeared for both England under 19s and under 21s, scoring six times from a total of 13 appearances.
As he is yet to win a senior cap and has Scottish blood in his family, Carroll is reportedly a target for new Scotland boss Craig Levein as he attempts to guide his country to Euro 2012.
Off the field things have been far less smooth for the 21-year-old. He's been involved in a number of controversial incidents including accusations of a nightclub brawl and breaking the jaw of team-mate Steven Taylor in a training ground bust-up.
On returning to the Premier League with Newcastle this season, Carroll has continued his impressive form. With a hat-trick at home to Aston Villa and an equaliser away at Wolves already, the big striker looks like continuing his goal-scoring run in the top-flight.