Newcastle United news: Signing Andy Carroll was a ‘no-brainer’, says Steve Bruce

The 30-year-old striker was a free agent after leaving West Ham in the summer

Steve Bruce has described the signing of Andy Carroll as a “no-brainer” ahead of Newcastle United‘s opening game against Arsenal.

Carroll scored 33 goals for the club in a five year stint in the first team before leaving for Liverpool for what was, at the time, a record fee for a British footballer.

Though his free agent status meant a deal did not have to be struck before the window closed, Carroll is now available for Newcastle’s first game, and Bruce is happy to have the towering forward at his disposal.

“If he stays fit, then a fit Andy Carroll is as good as you’re going to get. He is determined to come and be successful again here.

“It was just a conversation with Andy. He was desperate – a bit like myself, I suppose – to come back, and of course the big question mark of everybody is can we get him back quickly and can he stay fit?”

Newcastle also secured the signing of Emil Krafth on deadline day, and the Swedish international could also make his first appearance against Arsenal with first choice right-back DeAndre Yedlin not yet recovered from an operation.

Arsenal will represent tough opposition for manager Bruce’s first game in charge at St James’ Park, and Bruce is aware of the danger that Unai Emery’s side will pose.

“Make no mistake – they were Europa League finalists [last season]. They’re a big club and have been for years... You always know it’s going to be a tough game.

“They are a big club that have threats at the top of the field. I expect them to be very good and they have had a wonderful window.”

Yet in Carroll Bruce too possesses a potential point of difference, with his aerial ability sure to test defences throughout the season.

Carroll struggled with injuries during his time at West Ham but returns to his boyhood club (Getty)

With a relegation battle widely forecast for Newcastle, Bruce recognises the importance of his new-look forward line, particularly the sizeable presence of Carroll.

“You are always only as good as your strikers. When we come up against the big teams, defensively we will have to be spot on, but we have to cause the other teams a threat, we have that threat now.”

“It’s his home-town club – it was a no-brainer, really, one of those where you’re delighted to do it.”