Steve Bruce reveals what 'thunderous' Andy Carroll did after being left out of starting XI

Carroll has signed a new one-year deal ahead of Sunday’s home FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City.

The striker – who has started the club’s behind-closed-doors Premier League games on the bench – came on and set up a goal in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa.

Carroll, 31, had been pushed for a start, and head coach Bruce said: “We saw the influence the other night. If he can keep himself right, he’s an addition to any Premier League team. He gives you something different.

“He comes on and makes a goal. Also in the dressing room … he’s not the young Andy Carroll any more. He still knocked on my door the other day wanting to know why he’s not in the XI. I was quietly pleased that he still had that thunder about him.”