Andy Carroll a "couple of weeks" away from return to training

Andy Carroll has handed West Ham United supporters a boost by suggesting that he is likely to be back in training with the rest of his teammates in a couple of weeks.

An ankle injury picked up in pre-season prevented him from starting the new campaign with the rest of the squad, but the England international is now targeting a spot in the team after seeing summer signings Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho impress in the early stages of their West Ham careers.

"I think when I'm on form and playing well, I can get in the starting lineup," Carroll told reporters. "The sooner the better for me to get me out there.

"Things are going well at the moment. I haven't had a problem with my ankle or anything. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I should be joining in with the lads."

Injuries restricted Carroll to just 15 Premier League appearances last season.