Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce is delighted with the preseason form of centre-forward Andy Carroll.

Allardyce has been inundated with requests from other managers to take the local boy on loan as he attempts to make the breakthrough to the senior ranks.

The 52-year-old currently has new signing Viduka, Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins and Shola Ameobi leading the way in attack, but is aware he could have another useful performer on the books.

He said: "I have heard so much about Andy from other managers because they keep ringing up and asking for him on loan, which rather excited me about the potential of the young man.

"There is very good potential there. Whether it's going to be in key areas in the Premier League this year, I'll decide that further down the line as the season comes closer.

"He can play a part now because Mark Viduka is away, but when Mark comes back, I will have a full assessment and there might be the possibility that one of those managers may get lucky.

"I may loan him out if I feel that's the right thing for Andy and the right thing for us.

"Or if he carries on improving and showing the sort of potential he's got, I might decide to keep him here and use him when I feel necessary to give him some Premier League experience."