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Big Andy's Double Delight
Written by Newcastle Utd
Carroll opens Under-21 account with brace against Macedonia
By Craig Hope
ANDY Carroll will return to Newcastle United training today buoyed by the two goals which saw the Geordie striker open his account for England Under-21s during their 6-3 hammering of Macedonia at the Ricoh Arena on Friday night.
Having surrendered a two-goal lead, the Three Lions regained their advantage on 54 minutes when Carroll flashed home a near-post header from Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs' delivery.
And with Stuart Pearce's youngsters leading 4-3 Carroll bagged his second, turning sharply in the area before directing a low shot into the bottom corner.
There was still time for England to add a sixth, Carroll this time the provider as his far-post clip was finished off by West Ham's Zavon Hines.
The win leaves England second in their qualifying group for 2011's European Championships in Denmark.
And Carroll said: "It was an important win for the team and I'm delighted to get my first goals.
"It was an honour to be called up but to start, play well and score a couple is unbelievable.
"I want to play a big part in helping us get to the finals and we're in a good position at the moment."