West Ham skipper: Liverpool loanee will struggle to oust star striker

Monday, October 1, 2012
11:05 PM

West Ham captain Kevin Nolan believes that Liverpool loanee Andy Carroll will have a tough job to return to the Hammers’ first team.

The striker made his return after a hamstring injury in the 2-1 win over QPR but the midfielder was full of praise for Carroll’s rival for the striker role, Carlton Cole.

“First and foremost I thought Coley was terrific so it’s going to be tough for Andy to get into the side,” Nolan told Sky Sports.

“Hopefully he’s going to score goals. He’ll create a lot. I’m looking forward to a successful partnership with Coley.”

Nolan also hailed the club’s board for giving manager Sam Allardyce the funds to challenge in their first season back in the top flight.

“Praise must go to the chairmen who’ve helped the gaffer to bring players in,” he explained. “You see with the quality we have on the bench we’re expecting better than staying in the Premier League.

“We’re looking forward to a good steady season for West Ham.”