By Darren Bent

7th Nov, 2019 | 5:38pm

Exclusive: Darren Bent casts serious doubt over Bruce 'Masterstroke' at Newcastle

Darren Bent has questioned how much of an impact Andy Carroll is going to have at Newcastle United despite calling his signing a “masterstroke” from Steve Bruce.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former Spurs and England striker says that the return of the homegrown hitman was a brilliant move to get the fans on side from the Newcastle boss but that his lack of playing time means it is now looking a questionable decision.

Carroll moved back to St James’ Park on a free transfer this summer after leaving West Ham, returning to the north east eight years after leaving for Liverpool.

While admitting that re-signing the 30-year-old was a smart move to satisfy the supporters on Tyneside, Bent has cast serious doubts over just how useful he is going to prove out on the pitch between now and the end of the campaign.

Bent told Football Insider: “It was a masterstroke with the fans bringing Andy Carroll back but it was also like: ‘Well really? Do you really need to go and get someone like that?’

“When he’s fully fit, when he’s fully, fully fit – which has been a while now – then yes, he’s a handful he can do things. I’m not sure training a could of times a week and getting 20 minutes here and 20 minutes is really going to change lives.” 

Carroll is yet to start a game for Newcastle since his move back to his boyhood club, with just five substitute appearances totalling 90 minutes of action under his belt.

Bruce has opted to start Carroll’s fellow summer arrival Joelinton up front for all their league games so far, the Brazilian with just one goal to his name.

In other Newcastle United news, Danny Mills has lauded Bruce for making a “bold call” on one Magpies favourite.