Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew insists Andy Carroll will fire West Ham United up the table.
Carroll appeared for the first time at Upton Park this season on Saturday as the Hammers were beaten 3-1 by Pardew's Geordies, the second-half substitute skying one glorious chance over the crossbar.
"He is going to be important for Big Sam in this second part of the season," said the former West Ham boss.
"He had that one big chance (on Saturday) but he's a bit rusty - he would have taken that on another day.
"He's a terrific character and I'm sure that he's going to grab this team and keep them in the division.
"They have Kevin (Nolan) coming back as well and Sam has a lot to lean on there and he can be encouraged by their performance in the second half."
