Home comforts

Reasons to be cheerful on two fronts for Andy Carroll. Not only has he been recalled to the England U20 squad for the forthcoming friendly against Italy, he's also secured himself a new deal at the club which runs until 2013. Cue his agent, Slippery Peter Harrison, with the platitudes: "He is a local lad and Newcastle was the only place he wanted to be, and it is a great deal for him. The fans have taken to him and I am sure he will become a huge favourite in years to come." Though Charles N'Somnia has now left the club, at least Shola Ameobi has also signed a contract extension and so the amateur pugilist will still have one of his alleged sparring partners for company...