West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes Andy Carroll's engagement to reality TV star Billi Mucklow could bring the best in the 25 year old. Allardyce has backed the pair's recent engagement, saying: "Andy has now got a different life - romance has blossomed.
"It can be very good for a footballer when they settle down off the field."
England international Carroll is closing in on a return from ankle surgery and could come into contention for Saturday's Premier League match at home to Aston Villa.
"When you have a relationship, you start building on that relationship by the fondness you have for each other," he said. "I think that can only be good for Andy and his football."
