Andy Carroll close to West Ham return - Sam Allardyce
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says the club's record £15m signing Andy Carroll is near to a first-team return.
Striker Carroll, 25, made his loan to the Hammers from Liverpool permanent in the summer but has not played since because of a foot injury.
"Andy is training today [Tuesday] and hopefully we'll see him on the bench in the next week or so," said Allardyce.
Carroll's return will be a boost for Allardyce, whose side are second from bottom of the Premier League.