Martins reassured over United role

Apr 15 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

With Martins struggling with an injury and with Shola Ameobi labouring ineffectually alongside Michael Owen at the Britannia Stadium last weekend, it was left to substitute Andy Carroll to salvage a point for the Magpies with a late header.

That has thrust the 20-year-old target man into the spotlight on Tyneside and Dowie is determined to ensure the youngster does not become yet Premier League flash in the pan.

Although Carroll is strong enough to worry any burly centre-back, Dowie admitted he remains a raw talent in need of polishing on the training ground.

But with Shearer at the helm and with Dowie overseeing extra training sessions, United’s new management duo are

confident he will continue to improve as long as he keeps his feet on the ground. Dowie explained: “We’ve told Andy Carroll he needs to train as he plays. He is a handful in games, but he can be a little laid back at times in training, which is something we’ve talked to him about.

“But we like what we have seen and there is a player in there. He has fantastic power in the air, a super left foot and a nice aggression about him. If you get enough service to him in the box, he will be a handful. It really was a wonderful header against Stoke and you can’t deny that.

“He is a work in progress, but there is an excellent striker in there and he will get better. He’s still a youngster and he is fortunate to have a manager like Alan who played in that position.

“I’ve been working with him on the training pitch in the afternoon and I’m determined to make sure he gets all the help he needs. It’s important he keeps his feet on the ground.”