ANDY CARROLL last night claimed that playing for “his hero” would enable him to transform himself from fringe performer to fullyfledged Premier League force.

Having previously watched Alan Shearer from the stands at St James’ Park, Gatesheadborn Carroll is thrilled to be working with one of his idols.

Shearer has made a point of giving Carroll one-to-one tuition since his arrival at Newcastle’s Longbenton training ground, and the fruits of his labour were evident in the 81st-minute header that earned the Magpies a precious point at Stoke last weekend.

Carroll had only been on the field for 11 minutes when he nodded Damien Duff’s cross past Thomas Sorensen, and with Obafemi Martins’ future in doubt following his last-minute withdrawal with a groin injury last weekend, the 20-year-old could find himself in the starting lineup when Newcastle travel to Tottenham on Sunday.

He has only made six senior starts for Magpies since his debut against Palermo in 2006, but having spent most of the last three years as a peripheral figure, the striker is hoping Shearer’s support will enable him to become a permanent fixture. “Alan is my hero – without a doubt,” said Carroll, who has also scored against West Ham and Man City since the turn of the year.

“I had a season ticket when I was younger, he’s my hero.

“I went to games just to watch him, and a lot of my friends were the same. He was the hero, he was the man.

“When he was here as a player I was probably too young to see him or interact with him. I was part of the Academy, he was a senior professional.

“But now he’s here as the manager, you’ve just got to do your best and try to impress.

“It was a big shock that he came in, and seeing him on the training ground at first was strange. But I just need to take it in my stride, try and keep working hard in training and show him what I can do so I keep playing in the team.”

Carroll’s qualities were certainly apparent at the weekend, with his immediate impact standing in marked contrast to the limp efforts produced by Shola Amoebi during the 70 minutes in which he was on the field.

The youngster had gone close with another header before he finally found the target, and admits he could not have wished for a better start to life under Shearer.

“It was a dream to come off the bench and score,” he said.

“It was all I could do really.

The gaffer had said to make an impact and that’s what I did. I did what I hope I do best – that’s score goals.”

Defender David Edgar also caught the eye in only his sixth Premier League start of the campaign.

Edgar was one of three centre- halves introduced in an attempt to deal with Stoke’s long throws, and while Shearer is likely to revert to a back four when Newcastle travel to White Hart Lane on Sunday, the Canadian is hoping he to keep his place.

“It was the first time I have played in my natural position this season,” said Edgar, who had previously appeared as a full-back.

“Hopefully, I can stay in the team now.

“It was great for me to play, and great to hear that the gaffer has faith in me.”