Newcastle United have handed the club's famous No.9 jersey to Andy Carroll.

The iconic number nine had been unassigned at St James' Park since Obafemi Martins left to ply his trade at Wolfsburg, following the Tyneside club's relegation to the second tier.

However, the 21-year-old Carroll's stellar performances in the Championship - that saw him hit the back of the net 19 times last season - appear to have convinced manager Chris Hughton that the youngster is old enough to carry the weight of being the club's number nine.

"It hasn't really sunk in yet," Carroll told the club's official website. "I'm immensely proud and really it's an unbelievable feeling.

"When you look at the fantastic players down the years who have worn the shirt, it sends shivers down your spine, it's amazing.

"Having grown up following and watching the team, I'm obviously aware of the great tradition the number nine shirt holds.

"It's probably unique in football in that sense and, as I say, to be wearing it, is incredible.

"Alan Shearer was my idol as a young lad, and who would have thought I would be following in his footsteps?

"It's every young Geordie lad's dream to be a Newcastle United number nine and I'm so lucky to be given that chance.

"It's an opportunity I relish and intend doing my utmost to do the shirt proud.

"I would also like to thank [manager] Chris [Hughton] and his staff for the faith they have put in me."

Carroll has large boots to fill as he now follows in the path of some of Newcastle's legendary goalscorers such as Jackie Milburn, Malcolm Macdonald and most recently Alan Shearer.


Source: Goal UK