With all the news this morning about Andy Carroll getting his first England call up for the game with Montenegro a week on Tuesday, Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has come out today and said he is only concerned about what Andy does for Newcastle United – good for him.
Andy Carroll – shown last season in those yellow strips
They even look quite good – the strips that is
After Carroll was surprisingly left out of the Under-21 squad to face Romania in the Euro 2011 play-offs, there has been speculation that he will be included in the senior squad names on Monday.
In fact the gossip papers are reporting this morning that he will indeed be in the squad.
As it turns out Hughton was sitting close by England manager Fabio Capello at Eastlands last night, as Chris was checking on Sunday’s opponents, so maybe they had a word or two – maybe.
Chris Hughton told the Evening Chronicle today:
“My only concern is what he does for Newcastle United and what he’s done so far.” “Whatever happens on top of that is a bonus for us and Andy.” “We won’t know if he is named in the squad until Monday.” “That is the usual system in international football and it’s all just normal stuff.”
Spoken like a true Irishman!
Hughton is expected to stick with the 4-5-1 formation for the game at Eastlands, and the lads will be trying to get something out of that game, after their disappointing result and display last Sunday against Stoke City.
Another defeat would not be good, because we have a couple of weeks before our next game at home to Wigan Athletic, which we should win easily – right!
Sol Campbell is doubtful for the game with a slight thigh injury, after missing out on the 2-1 loss to Stoke, but Sol is expected to travel to Manchester, and could even get his first start for Newcastle in the Premier League.
Midfielder Danny Guthrie, who has been injured all season with a slight knee problem, and the returning Danny Simpson, who has almost recovered from an ankle problem, will both not be included in the squad.
Hughton talked about the two players today:
“It’s pretty much as we were. Danny Guthrie and Danny Simpson trained this week but are not available for Man City.” “They are getting there, but are not quite ready for inclusion.”
A point on Sunday at Eastlands would be good, and a win would be fantastic.
A defeat is what is expected – but Newcastle have never delivered too much on their expectations this season, and on Sunday we hope that will continue. 😀
Comments welcome.
6 comments so far
Ruvio
Oct 1, 2010 at 1:22 PM
Comment #1I think it’s about time Hughton gave AC some proper praise. He seems to want to play down everything he does. That’s not how you motivate players. If he gets his England cap, Hughton should be the first to praise him.
And if he says it doesn’t matter to him what AC does for England, he’s just a horrible person.
GeordieGerman
Oct 1, 2010 at 1:31 PM
Comment #2Ruvio, that’s Chris’s nature, he plays down everything full stop.
stunna
Oct 1, 2010 at 1:35 PM
Comment #3Unrelated to the post: Like the new photo banner, Ed. Makes the site look more professional.
Ruvio
Oct 1, 2010 at 1:40 PM
Comment #4He needs to change his focus a bit in my point. You see the best managers, Sir Bobby, Sir Alex, Wenger, they play things down, but give praise too.
GeordieGerman
Oct 1, 2010 at 1:52 PM
Comment #5Wenger plays things down? Naaaaaaaaa… !
Davies
Oct 1, 2010 at 2:48 PM
Comment #6Each to their own. Carroll is very young and will probably need somebody to keep him grounded. I’m sure he knows only too well what Hoots thinks of him. The last thing he really needs is to have everyone sucking his balls. If he starts to believe the hype, he may end up failing to deliver. Players don’t succeed on reputation alone, especially not the young uns.