Carroll has to prove fitness to earn new deal

West Ham manager Slaven Billic has laid down a marker for Andy Carroll to stay fit this season.

Billic was asked about Carroll’s contract situation, with the forward’s deal expiring at the end of next season.

The Hammers boss has said that he needs to prove that he can stay fit and injury-free before the club will consider extending his contract.

Carroll has struggled with injuries throughout his West Ham career but is currently fit and starting regularly this season.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Bilic said this:

This is his season to be fit, to stay fit.

He’s got two years (on his current contract). If we are talking about his contract, the question mark about him is his fitness, how much he is available during the season.

Javier Hernandez has been forced into a wide position to accommodate Carroll into the team, although the Englishman is yet to get off the mark this season.

The 28-year-old has scored 30 goals in 112 games for West Ham since joining the club – initially on loan – in 2012 from Liverpool.

Last season, Carroll played 18 Premier League matches and scored seven goals, as he constantly struggled to stay fit.