Carlton Palmer addresses West Brom striker Andy Carroll’s future
Carlton Palmer has showered heaps of praise on West Brom striker Andy Carroll, but he is not sure about the striker’s immediate future.
Carroll has a contract with the Baggies till the end of the season and it remains to be seen whether the vastly experienced forward will be given a new deal.
The former Newcastle striker has been on two-short terms deals in the Championship, having played the first half of the season with Reading.
“Well it depends how much he’s costing you,” said Palmer to Football League World.
“You know, at the end of the day he’s 33 now, he’s played 20 games in total this season, 12 games for West Brom and he’s played eight games for Reading previously.
“So he’s played 20 games in total, and the goal tally of four.
“Now, he does present a different option for you, in terms of, you know, he is superb in the air, and his hold up and link up play is very, very good when he is fit and whatever.”
Another short term deal?
The major problem that remains with Carroll is his fitness.
If he can remain fit, the 33-year-old is capable of taking West Brom to the Premier League next season.
He has hinted at returning to his best in recent games. He was simply outstanding in the 2-0 win against Bournemouth and was equally good in the 3-1 defeat against Stoke City.
Steve Bruce is likely to be in charge for the next season, and the highly experienced manager has recently hinted that how he wants to shape his team going forward.
The Baggies are likely to sell a few players, especially those who are on a fat contract. It will provide space for any new additions.
Bruce wants to sign quality players who are free agents, and it remains to be seen whether he thinks Carroll can be a part of his plans.
He is injury prone and there is always a risk attached to signing him.
In other West Brom news, Bruce says these two Baggies players will be playing for their futures at The Hawthorns this season.
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