Allardyce backs Carroll's England call-up despite recent injury troubles

04 Oct 2012 10:55:00 PM

The on-loan striker has only just returned after damaging his hamstring, but was selected for Roy Hodgson's squad's upcoming World Cup qualifiers despite a four-week absence

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has supported Roy Hodgson's decision to recall Andy Carroll to his England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland this month.

The striker’s call-up has raised eyebrows in some quarters after only returning from a hamstring injury in the 2-1 win over QPR on Monday night.

However, Allardyce does not see the move as a fitness gamble and, in fact, believes the call-up could ultimately prove beneficial to both club and country.


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"I am glad he has been called up,” Allardyce told reporters.

"Going off to England because he is short on match fitness would be a good thing for us and a good thing for him."

Although, Allardyce did admit that he will be in contact with the England boss about what sort of role, if any, the Liverpool loanee will play.

He said: "I will liaise with Roy. Andy is in a position to play for him but I want them to just be careful about fatigue because it brings injuries.

"Andy's match fitness is a little behind where we would like it to be.

"Helping him to perform for England and catch up on match fitness would be an ideal solution for the pair of us."

Carroll's cameo role against the Cottagers clearly proved to Hodgson the big front man is still very much integral to his plans, but other English players in the Hammers' squad have been overlooked once more, including Mark Noble, who has enjoyed an outstanding start to the season.

Allardyce, though, believes the midfielder has a chance to make a late breakthrough with the Three Lions and claimed Hodgson and his coaching staff are aware of his form, adding: "I think it depends how Mark plays this season.

"I don't think it is about Mark Noble playing for England after three or four good games.

"He has pressed the buttons to alert Roy and his staff to come and have a look at him and see if he continues the good form he has shown in the Premier League up to now.

"There is a transition going on in the England set-up and Mark at 24 is an experienced Premier League player now.

"If he is in the public eye and doing well, then, I think England will continue to monitor him and see how it goes."