West Ham United's Andy Carroll hoping for "better' season following injury woe

West Ham United striker Andy Carroll is keeping his fingers crossed that he can avoid any injuries this season after beginning pre-season training with the Premier League outfit.

The former Liverpool forward was ruled out for the majority of the 2013-14 campaign after suffering a foot injury during last summer's pre-season preparations.

"I didn't want last season to end, but I've had a good summer and hopefully this next season is going to be a lot better than the last," Carroll told West Ham TV.

"It was disappointing last summer, being injured a lot, so fingers crossed this season will be a lot more positive with no injuries and I get through pre-season and the whole season to follow."

The Hammers will begin their league campaign with a home match against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on August 16.