Newcastle United Andy Carroll injury fears 'rubbished' by former Sunderland head of recruitment

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Andy Carroll of Newcastle United looks on from the bench during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion at St. James Park on September 21, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A former teammate of Andy Carroll has ‘rubbished’ claims the striker may not be fit to start for Newcastle United until ‘at least Christmas’.

Neale McDermott, also Sunderland’s former head of recruitment and son of Terry McDermott, claims he spoke to Carroll, and the player confirmed concerns about his fitness were unfounded.

On Twitter McDermott said: “Spoke to Andy this morning, this is total nonsense.”

The Telegraph revealed United’s medical staff fear Carroll may not be fit to start for three or four months.