Andy Carroll sets sights on Newcastle survival after signing new deal

The England Under-20 forward put pen to paper on a new deal by signing a new three-and-a-half year contract before his attention quickly turned to Newcastle's fight for survival. "I'm over the moon to get my future sorted and there was never any doubt I would sign a new deal," said the Gateshead-born 20-year-old targetman said. "This is where I want to play my football and this season has been a dream for me.  Related ArticlesSmith: Newcastle united for scrapNewcastle in plea to fansKinnear targets returnXisco plea to play for NewcastleAndy Carroll earns Newcastle callNewcastle starlet Andy Carroll praises Alan Shearer and Michael Owen"I came into the side earlier in the year and scored twice in six games. My first goal for my hometown club against West Ham was amazing and I hope to score many more in the future. "But my immediate aim is to get back in the team and help us stay in the Premier League." The 6ft 3in Carroll will be hoping to repay the club's faith in his talents when relegation-threatened Newcastle head to Hull's KC Stadium on Saturday for a game being billed as a 'cup final' by club skipper Michael Owen. "It's a huge battle," Carroll added. "We need a win there to get us out of it. After the performance against Manchester United, we just need to keep our heads up. "We must go into the game against Hull feeling positive. It will be tough, but we must get three points. All we need to do is concentrate on ourselves." With the likes of Owen and Obafemi Martins ahead of Carroll in the pecking order he knows he must bide his time for a starting slot but he is determined to prove himself and improve on a record of two goals in 16 appearances. "There are five or six strikers at the club, so I just have to score goals," said Carroll who started his first senior match two months ago. "Whether that is in training or the reserves I don't know, but hopefully the gaffer sees what I can do." Meanwhile, Carroll, who spent part of last season on loan at Preston, has been recalled to the England Under-20 squad for their friendly match against Italy at Loftus Road on March 31. Carroll's agent Peter Harrison added: "He is delighted to have committed his future to Newcastle United. "It is great for him to get it out of the way so he can now concentrate on his football. He is a local lad and Newcastle was the only place he wanted to be, and it is a great deal for him. "The fans have taken to him and I am sure he will become a huge favourite in the years to come."  

Source: Telegraph