Carroll has scored 12 goals for Newcastle this season

Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll has praised the contribution of manager Chris Hughton in the club's impressive Championship season so far.

The Magpies lead the table by four points with a game in hand and Carroll says Hughton and assistant Colin Calderwood deserve the plaudits.

"Chris and Colin have done a great job by getting the team 'as a team'," Carroll told BBC Newcastle.

"They kept everyone together as a team, and it's showing on the pitch."

Carroll has enjoyed an impressive season in the Magpies first-team, netting 12 goals in 32 games.

However the Gateshead-born striker says collective success - in the shape of promotion back to the Premier League - is his main concern.

"A few more wins, a few more points, and we'll be back up there into the promised land," Carroll said.

"Everyone wants to be back in the Premier League, and that's what we're doing.

"I think it'll mean a great deal to the fans and to everyone."

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