Andy Carroll admits he is working hard to be fit enough to feature in the opening day Premier League fixture with Cardiff City.
The striker has been struggling with a heel injury ever since last season’s final day 4-2 home victory over Reading and is yet to feature for the Hammers in pre-season.
But the club’s record-signing has admitted he is working tirelessly to ensure he returns as soon as physically possible.
He told the Daily Star: “I’ve been working hard. I’ve been away to Germany with the lads and keeping myself as fit as I can with the work I can still do with my heel still being sore.
“It’s been hard but I’ve been working hard to be back for the start of the season.
“I’m dying to get back kicking a ball again. I can’t wait because the last time I kicked a ball was the final game of last season.”
And, with less that two-weeks before the start of the 2013/2014 Premier League campaign, Carroll believes a victory of Cardiff at Upton Park is vital as the Hammers embark on their second season in the top-flight since promotion in 2012.
“It’s always important to get a win in the first game of the season,” he added.
“Cardiff have just come up so will want to show what they are all about. We need to understand that and get a win under our belts.”
