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Andy Carroll is working hard to get fit in time for the new season, assistant manager Neil McDonald has confirmed.

The club-record signing is nursing a heel injury that he picked up in the 4-2 final day victory over Reading last season, which forced him to pull out of the England internationals in June and sparked fears he may miss the beginning of the new campaign.

But McDonald has revealed that Carroll is working hard every day to increase his chances of being fit in time for the visit of Cardiff City on August 17.

He told Sky Sports News: “He is well under way in his rehab, he is working hard on the training ground and we just have to be a little bit patient.

“The injury that he has is quite extensive and it takes time for the body to heal itself. He is doing everything he can to push on.

“He has been working really hard and there is still plenty of time for him to get himself fit for the start of the season.”

McDonald also admitted the club hope to bring in at least one or two more new faces in time for the opening day of the 2013/2104 Premier League season.

“The manager and the hierarchy are working very hard behind the scenes to strengthen the team even more,” he said.

“If we can bring one or two others in to give competition for places we will be in a really good place come the 17th of August.”