Steve Bruce hails ‘immense’ Andy Carroll impact at West Brom
Former England striker Andy Carroll has played every minute of football for West Brom since he arrived as a free transfer in January and has made a big impact.
The six-foot four-inch powerhouse is yet to score for the Baggies though as the dry spell continues under new manager Steve Bruce.
It’s been four games since West Brom last scored a goal now and it needs to change quickly if they are to push back towards the playoffs.
Bruce sees Carroll as integral to doing that but insists that he needs to stay fit if they are to make a real go of it.
“Andy gives us a focal point and his attitude has been immense,” Bruce said, as quoted by the Express and Star.
“He worked his socks off against Blackburn and proved that he is fit which is pleasing.
“It’s imperative he stays fit at the moment with the problems we have got so well done to him.”
Find a way
It has been a long time since West Brom fans have seen a goal drought anything like this in the second tier.
34 goals scored is less than relegation-threatened Reading in 21st and things haven’t improved since Valerien Ismael was sacked for Bruce to take over.
Right now, the Baggies just need to score a goal, no matter how it comes, to give them just an inkling of confidence in the final third because they haven’t looked like scoring in this barren spell either.
Carroll can be a big presence up front and West Brom need to use his aerial prowess to break the unwanted streak.
Whether they score a worldie from distance, a well-worked passing move or it deflects in off someone’s backside, Bruce won’t care now.
In other West Brom news, Joseph Masi has shared the “one negative” with this Baggies star after the 0-0 draw with Blackburn.