Matt Jarvis reckons Andy Carroll has learned from his Anfield hell – and won’t buckle under the pressure of yet another big-money move Carroll, 24, choked when forced to wear the record- signing label around his neck at Liverpool – but Jarvis is convinced the giant 6ft 3ins striker will cope with the burden at Upton Park. The England front man cost the Hammers £19million when he signed a permanent six-year-deal last month – after an initial year on loan in east London. And Jarvis (right) the club’s previous record buy at £7.5m, said: “I had the pressure of being our most expensive player all last year. “That did have a hold on me – but that won’t be an issue for Andy. Firstly, this is an easy club to settle into. “Secondly, Andy isn’t a new player as such. He has already had a year on loan here so he knows the place inside out. “And that is the kind of advantage that can fill you with confidence after a move like this. “Thirdly, he is an experienced man. He had the same burden at Liverpool that he has to deal with now. That was a huge learning experience. “For us, he has already proved to be a massive player – and I’ve no doubt he will have a major impact this year.” So much so that Jarvis is tipping the Hammers to have their best season since 1980 – and use Wigan’s FA Cup triumph as their inspiration to end their 33 years of hurt. He said: “What Wigan did in beating Manchester City to lift the FA Cup has made clubs like us realise it can be done now – that trophies are not the preserve of the so-called big boys. “Our first aim will be to go on a winning spree in the Premier League so that when the cup competitions come around, we will be able to hit the ground running. “We have ambitious players here. There isn’t one of us who does not want to win a trophy.” And silverware is not the only accolade that Middlesbrough-born Jarvis, 27, wants to win. Having made his England debut two years ago against Ghana – the former Wolves winger is determined to leave the one-cap-wonder club. He said: “Like any player, as soon as you get one cap, you want to get another. “I have not given up on getting back in there. Last year, I worked extremely hard to get myself back in the frame and, hopefully, I can kick on again. “If there is one thing you are guaranteed from me, it is hard work. “I’ll give myself every chance.”
Posted on: Sun, 07 Jul 2013 08:14:48 +0000
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