Reading FC manager Paul Ince admitted that he ‘can’t wait’ to have Andy Carroll at full match fitness.
Having made his return to the club on a short term contract just under a year since his spell in Berkshire, Carroll was named among the bench in Reading’s win over Wigan Athletic.
Caroll entered the game in the final few minutes as the team closed out the game to move to third in the Championship table.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have him,” said Ince.
“The lads love him, they adore him.
“He’s got a presence and gives us something different. I can’t wait to get him fit and get him on the pitch.”
Carroll was reportedly close to completing a move to Premier League side Wolves if there deal for Diego Costa wasn’t approved.
However, Reading snapped the former England international striker up on a short term contract after Wolves signed Costa last week.
Ince continued: ”There was a situation where he might have gone to Wolves but that didn’t materialise because Diego Costa got his visa.
“I’ve been onto him for the last five or six weeks and asking his agent if there was any chance.
“To have him in the building is a great lift for everyone.
“He wasn’t here when I was here last year and we’ve changed a lot with the culture and how we act so it will be new for him. He’s fitted in straight away, he’s a top pro.
“He’s out there running (after the game) because he wants to be fit and be ready.
“He’s fit in to exactly what we want to do here and it’s a great lift. He’s a leader, we know what he can do on the pitch and he’ll get better once he is fit.”
