Newcastle United’s prestigious number nine shirt is currently in the ownership of Andy Carroll and it is not an object to take complacently or to treat whimsically. I can only hope that he doesn’t do so, for he holds such promise in the way he plays the game. He possesses a great deal of raw ability that could be moulded into making him a formidable striker. The only negatives, of which they are significant, come in the form of his private affairs. Only today did Carroll have to attend a court hearing over a previous incident involving his now ex-girlfriend. This now equates to two court appearances and an alleged training ground fight with Steven Taylor, the latter coming off worse, all very much baleful behaviour that doesn’t bode well for his future affairs. His mentality is obviously one that doesn’t reason possible consequences through, or maybe he does and he isn’t troubled over the consequences due to his profession as a football player. Either way, he still finds himself in these disreputable scenarios, having to deal with the criticisms that come with it. What he needs now is to be taken aside and, almost, restrained into concentrating on improving as a player. He holds so much potential, having been blessed with a domineering physical presence, that it needs channelling in the correct way.

Like many young players that emerge in an eruption of media attention, it is easily removed in the next few weeks when the same performances that earned the attention in the first place seem to diminish. This shouldn’t deter Carroll in any way or form due to what he has shown and this can be rekindled with dedicated training, the right mentality and experienced mentoring. Like many strikers, form is determined by confidence, which is why at present there isn’t any need to dismiss Carroll’s form or potential. Having scored a hat-trick against Aston Villa the media were quick to champion him for an England call-up, but when England are lacking in-form strikers, this could have be seen as inevitable.

What Chris Hughton and his backroom staff now have the tricky task to implement is to find the delicate balance for Carroll that will allow him to use his natural aggression but not sprint aimlessly across the pitch and lose his position that sees him at his most effective. To remove Carroll’s aggressive nature would be to negate what makes him as a player; it would merely be a utilization of this willing effort he represents. Carroll will also have to respond and not be obdurate if those around him feel that something in his game needs to be rectified. I have no doubt that an England debut will come soon and be one of many if Carroll can organise his affairs.  The road to perdition will await Carroll if he continues to behave in the manner he has exhibited off the pitch, but the road to salvation and cult status remain a possibility if he is prepared to harness his raw abilities, add invaluable goals to his repertoire and keep these consistent.

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