Premier League: Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll likely to return for Brighton clash, confirms manager Steve Bruce

Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll is likely to make his first appearance of the season in Saturday’s Premier League match against Brighton and Hove Albion after shaking off an ankle injury, manager Steve Bruce said on Friday. [caption id=“attachment_7376271” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Steve Bruce is hopeful that Newcastle can replicate the form that helped them stun Tottenham Hotspur last month. AFP[/caption] The 30-year-old has not featured since rejoining the club on transfer deadline day due to the niggling problem and only began training in the lead-up to last weekend’s 3-1 defeat to Liverpool. “As long as he comes through today OK… he’ll be involved, which is good news at the top end of the pitch,” Bruce told a news conference. “If he stays fit he’s a wonderful centre forward. Certainly of his type I don’t think there’s been anybody better in the last eight to 10 years when he’s been playing.” Winger and fellow new arrival Allan Saint-Maximin has also recovered from a hamstring strain to be in contention but midfielder Sean Longstaff will miss out again because of an ankle injury. Newcastle have suffered three defeats in their opening five games but Bruce is hopeful the team can replicate the form that helped them stun Tottenham Hotspur last month. “The only way I can get people thinking positively is if we can produce a few results. Now we’ve got a wonderful opportunity to go and get our second win of the season,” he said. “Brighton have had a total change of philosophy under their new manager. They’re probably going through that transition. “They had a wonderful start when they won 3-0 (at Watford); they’re a good side and they’ve got good players. That’s the Premier League.”