West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce believes Andy Carroll can become a star for the club

Andy Carroll can become a West Ham United hero, according to his manager Sam Allardyce.

The England striker endured a difficult first month with the club after picking up a hamstring injury less than 48 hours after completing a shock loan move from Premier League rivals Liverpool in August.

But Carroll, despite not scoring, has looked as good as ever this week in his two comeback outings for the Hammers.

An 18-minute cameo against Queens Park Rangers was followed by a sparkling 90-minute display against Arsenal.

Yet, despite his dominance in the air against the Gunners – in both boxes – Allardyce believes Carroll can only get better as the Hammers fans take the big, burly Geordie to their hearts.

“Anybody that fears taking Andy Carroll is foolish, because this lad can only get better as time goes on,” said Allardyce.

“As long as we can keep giving him the service I think he is going to be a tremendous asset for us this season.

“I thought he had scored in the second half. That is why you get Andy Carroll in, he out-jumps the goalie. The goalie can use his hands to catch the ball and he goes and out-jumps him and just heads it wide and that is an open goal.

“That is why we have got him, he is an unbelievable player and I think he can only get better for us.”