West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has tipped fit-again striker Andy Carroll to put himself in the frame for an England recall in time for Euro 2016.
Knee and ankle injuries have plagued the 27-year-old's career in recent seasons, but he made his first start since February in the Capital One Cup defeat at Leicester City last week.
Carroll netted five times in 12 Premier League starts last term, and Bilic says that he can play his way back into contention for a Three Lions berth in France if he stays fit.
"The England squad will come as a logical result if things are cured," the Croat told reporters ahead of Saturday's clash with Sunderland. "First of all he has to stay away from injuries. Only with that can he be in a position to have a great season.
"In the past it has not been because he dropped in form, it's because he was injured. Step number one, he has made it, he has had a good pre-season, even it was after the season already started, he is now fit.
"The quality was never in doubt, the problem was fitness and without that you can't have form."
Carroll's last international appearance came in 2012 during a 5-0 World Cup qualifying win over San Marino.
Shane Callaghan
