Former Liverpool and Newcastle United star Michael Owen believes the return of Andy Carroll should provide a boost for the Magpies going forward. The England international rejoined the Magpies on a free transfer this summer and he only made his debut against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend after recovering from an ankle problem.
Carroll could not help the Magpies to find the winning goal in a 0-0 draw and he was still lively on the playing field during a 10-minute cameo, where he was hugely appreciated by the fans. Speaking on Premier League Matchday Live, Owen said that manager Steve Bruce would be delighted with the return of Carroll and believes the marksman should provide a lift to the team during the coming games.

“I think he would have been delighted to get Andy Carroll on as well. That would have been a relief,” he told after the goalless stalemate. “It is just that momentum. He doesn't have to do anything. Just him being on the pitch gives them a lift and for him to only play 10 minutes plus injury time was a big sigh of relief for the Brighton camp.”

The Magpies parted ways with two of their influential frontmen in Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez during the summer while manager Rafael Benitez also walked out of the club after the expiry of his contract. As a result, there has been a sense of frustration from the supporters despite Steve Bruce making a decent beginning with the club.

The Tyneside outfit are currently just above the drop zone with five points on the table. Their standout performance came against Tottenham Hotspur on the road where they were able to register a shock 1-0 triumph through Joelinton’s goal. That has certainly silenced some of the critics, who were doubtful whether Bruce was the right man for the job.