Carroll: Being given Newcastle No 9 shirt 'sends shivers down your spine'
Published 23:00 20/07/10 By Simon Bird
Andy Carroll says he is ready to handle the "spine-tingling" burden of becoming Newcastle United's new No 9.
The England U21 star was yesterday handed one of the most famous shirts in football, and he follows legends like Alan Shearer, Malcolm McDonald and Jackie Milburn in the role as the Geordies' strike figurehead.
United boss Chris Hughton kept the shirt vacant last season after the club was relegated and Oba Martins was sold, but decided in pre-season that the time was right for Carroll to be handed a massive vote of confidence.
The youngster scored 19 goals last season in the Championship, has broken into the England U21 squad and is part of a group of youngsters being monitored by Fabio Capello. He has two goals in five U21 appearances, with his strength and heading ability praised.
Gateshead-born Carroll said: "Alan Shearer was my idol as a young lad and who would have thought I'd be following in his footsteps?
"When you look at the fantastic players down the years who have worn the shirt, it sends shivers down your spine, it's amazing.
"Having grown up following and watching the team I'm obviously aware of the great tradition the number nine shirt holds, it's probably unique in football in that sense and, as I say, to be wearing it is incredible.
"It's every young Geordie lads' dream to be a Newcastle United number nine and I'm so lucky to be given that chance. It's an opportunity I relish and intend doing my utmost to do the shirt proud.
"I'd also like to thank Chris and his staff for the faith they have put in me. It hasn't really sunk in yet, I'm immensely proud and really it's an unbelievable feeling."
The one cloud on next season is that Carroll faces a trial in October at Newcastle Crown Court accused of assaulting a man following an incident in the Blu Bambu nightclub last December. Hughton admits it is an unwelcome distraction mid-season but that the club will "continue to support" Carroll next season.
Carroll's bust up with Steven Taylor last season is now history, and he also had a training ground punch up with Charles N'Zogbia.
From Wor Jackie Milburn to Alan Shearer: Nine Newcastle No.9s Andy Carroll must live up to
