Big Sam excited by Carroll

Sam Allardyce: West Ham manager excited by his new signing

Sam Allardyce refused to reveal if Andy Carroll would be in the West Ham team on Saturday but insists fans should be excited at his arrival.

The 23-year-old has been the Hammers' top transfer target over the summer, following a pursuit that has lasted most of the window.

Liverpool have finally agreed to a loan with a view to a £17million permanent deal for the England international after buying him from Newcastle for £35m in January 2011.

Asked whether his new signing would start against Fulham on Saturday, Allardyce told Sky Sports News: "He will be in the squad."

Pushed on whether he was looking forward to seeing his new acquisition in action, he added: "Everyone should look forward to that. I think it's a real coup for the club.

"The co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, particularly David Sullivan has worked hard with me over a short period of time to get this deal through, so I'm really appreciative of that.

"And hopefully Andy will pay everyone back for the faith that we have shown in him."