Allardyce tips Carroll for England return after match-winning goal against Swansea

2 Feb 2013 19:00:00

The West Ham manager feels a strong end to the season for the on-loan striker could pave the way for a recall by Roy Hodgson, while Michael Laudrup rued his side's slow start

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has tipped loanee Andy Carroll for an England recall after his match-winning goal against Swansea City.

The striker, on a season-long loan deal from Liverpool, was making his first start since late November after overcoming injury, and Allardyce feels that a strong finish to the season would could force Roy Hodgson to consider picking the nine-time international.

"It’s his first full 90 minutes in nine weeks," said Allardyce.

"When you looked at him today, there looked like there was no fatigue and he was enjoying himself. As long as he stays fit he should be [back in the England fold].

"If he can build his goal tally up and start putting in more good performances as there’s obviously a lot more to come. The season started in a disappointing way for him, then he’s had his injuries.

"If he can finish the season and these last 14 games on a high then it will be great for us, and great for him."

The Hammers went into the game with just one win in nine, while their opposition where unbeaten in seven, and Allardyce admitted his team were under pressure to get more points on the board after gap between themselves and the relegation zone reduced to four ahead of kick-off.

"I thought we were under big pressure to produce a result," Allardyce told reporters.

"I have to say our home form all season has been great and today’s performance thoroughly deserved victory.

"We’ve hit the 30 points total, which is great relief having gone eight games with only five points.

"There’s still a long way to go and still a lot of improvement in terms of away results to sort."

Meanwhile, Swansea boss Michael Laudrup was admitted the expected a tough test at Upton Park, but rued his team’s slow start to the game.

"It was a game I expected, with us having the ball and them playing direct through Nolan and Carroll," said Laudrup.

"In the first half we did not create that many chances. Second half they came more into the game.

"They got a goal from a set piece. They’re very strong from set pieces, what can I say? We just have to accept it.

"We’re a team that’s very difficult to beat. It proves my team is very mature and that’s great to see, as we’ve only been in the Premier League for 18 months."