Andy Carroll got his first goal for Preston North End last night when Preston drew at home to Leicester 1-1.
Andy, back in the side again after not even being on the bench in Preston’s 1-0 defeat at Barnsley on Saturday, scored after 14 minutes, with a nice header into the top corner following a free-kick.
Andrew Carroll – 18 year-old finding things tough at Preston North End
Unfortunately for Preston, Campbell equalized in the second half to leave Preston on 15 points from their first 15 games, and just 2 points above the drop zone, in 20th place.
The young and impressive 18 year-old, all 6’ 3â€of him, went to Deepdale on a six-month loan in August, and finally headed Kevin Nicholls’ in-swinging free-kick into the top corner in the 14th minute. Andrew had a very good pre-season at Newcastle and really looked the part at times, with his good hold-up play. He scored a beautiful goal against Buffon of Juventus, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and the Italian World Cup winning goalkeeper thought Andrew had the makings of a future star.
The 18-year-old was due a slice of good fortune after hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons so far this season. Carroll was sent home from the England Under-19s squad last month, when he and two other players broke a curfew. And Andrew was summoned back to Tyneside after that episode, where Big Sam let Andrew know in no uncertain terms, that he better shape up – quickly. Andy has also surprisingly struggled at the Deepdale club this season, and has been out of the team for a while.
Last night Andrew was booked for a reckless challenge in the 11th minute, but kept his head three minutes later to nod home the free-kick from eight yards. Preston boss Paul Simpson said after the game:
“I decided to recall him and I just felt he would give us something different.â€
“He’s had a difficult time, and I’ve been hammering him every single day in training.â€
“I’ve got him to take a hard look at himself because he’s made a few mistakes.”
We’re not sure what Big Sam will do when Andrew’s 6 months are up in January. But we wouldn’t be surprised if Sam elects to keep him out on loan for the rest of the season, either at Preston or some other Championship team. Andy needs games, although he doesn’t seem to be getting enough of them at Deepdale. But that may change soon, with Andrew last night playing the full 90 minutes.
Comments very welcome.
11 comments so far
Rich
Nov 7, 2007 at 12:34 PM
Comment #1Good to see Carroll get on the scoresheet.Think we definitely need another big striker in January to compete with the Duke. I watched the Benfica v Celtic game last night and Oscar Cordoza who we were linked with was brilliant. Think he would be the perfect foil for Owen/Oba, tall, strong, quick feet and an eye for goal was really impressed.
Rich
Nov 7, 2007 at 12:42 PM
Comment #2And also Aiden Mcgeady the celtic Winger should be on Sams radar, what a talent this kid has!!Could be the best £6, 7 million we spend.
micepie
Nov 7, 2007 at 12:53 PM
Comment #3Yes, we should keep Carroll in the fold when he comes back in January.
Despite everything and recent results, we really have the makings of a very good squad if we can just get the first 11 to gel. I hope we get Ben Haim too.
yemozone
Nov 7, 2007 at 1:18 PM
Comment #4Bring anelka to newcastle.Just imagine Anelka ,Martins upfront
Leo
Nov 7, 2007 at 1:19 PM
Comment #5is aiden mcgeady speedy???
good on you carroll get yourself on the goalscoring trail…
Tom_Toon
Nov 7, 2007 at 1:51 PM
Comment #6Kuranyi/Cardozo and Martins would be brilliant.
Shame trhe preston fans hate Carroll becuase he is too cocky.
Bill F
Nov 7, 2007 at 3:01 PM
Comment #7I watched the same game and I don’t think Cardoza got a shot on target. I like the thought of us getting Kuranyi though, is he available?
Rich
Nov 7, 2007 at 3:11 PM
Comment #8Ye Aidan Mcgeady is fast and full of tricks, im from scotland so watch quite a lot of scottish games. He has always played brill in the champions league against Ac Milan last year, really think hed be great for us!Only 21 as well, think hes a better prospect sa Milner.
Tom_Toon
Nov 7, 2007 at 4:41 PM
Comment #9Schalke are in crsis atm and it almost january so id say so.
Bill F i only saw the highlights but i saw Cardozo have 3 shots and they were all on target.
Bill F
Nov 7, 2007 at 5:17 PM
Comment #10Sorry in that case I claim senility.
paul....h
Nov 8, 2007 at 8:08 AM
Comment #11Tom how come you made a comment about Preston fans hating Carroll,they don’t mind him apart from the fact he was lazy when he first arrived thinking just because its a lower league he could stroll it.He now seems to realise that its a tough league and hard work is required to be a success.