Andy Carroll relieved to end goal drought

West Ham United striker Andy Carroll has admitted that scoring his first goal of the season against Tottenham Hotspur came as a huge relief.

Carroll struck for the first time since the European Championships in the Hammers' 3-1 defeat at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

The 23-year-old is hopeful that the goal will be the first of many during his time in east London.

He told the club's official website: "It was about time, to be honest. I'm just grateful to have got off the mark and hopefully there will be more to come this week.

"I think I've put myself about and been involved in our goals in previous matches. I think I've been doing well so it was about time one went in.

"It was a great ball in by Joey O'Brien and I just had to get up and head it across the keeper. That's what I did and thankfully it went in."

Sam Allardyce's side continue a tough run of matches against Manchester United on Wednesday before facing Chelsea at Upton Park next weekend.