Andy Carroll is expected to sign a one-year extension to his current Newcastle United deal - and Steve Bruce believes that lockdown has been a massive benefit for the Geordie centre-forward.

Carroll has signed a short-term deal to his existing contract, that was due to expire on June 30, and is now looking to be at the club in the 2020/21 season too.

The Teams-born striker has made 15 appearances this season and been unavailable for eight matches with a hip injury, although United were always looking to take precautions with the man who arrived on a free transfer from West Ham last summer.

Carroll is yet to score but has weighed in with four assists this season and back-room staff feel he was an influential presence in wins over Sheff United (a), Crystal Palace (h) and Southampton (h), each time playing a part in crucial strikes.

With Newcastle currently 11 points above the drop-zone it could be argued that even having Carroll as a squad player has contributed greatly to keeping them out of trouble with those nine points in December alone handing the Magpies a solid platform to finish the season strongly.

Now Bruce is hoping there is more to come from Carroll with the nine-times England international making his return from injury in the 3-0 win over Sheffield United.

Bruce has also used Carroll behind the scenes to help Joelinton settle in on Tyneside having been a former occupant of the No 9 shirt himself in the 2010/11 season before his £35million move to Liverpool.

Bruce told the Chronicle: "The break has got Andy right again.

"I shouldn't say that but it's the best I've seen him look.

"I hope that hasn't put a jinx on him."

There is no doubt that the back-room team believe that Carroll's contributions and influence outweigh any anxiety over the games he has missed, particularly as United started the season hoping that £40million Joelinton and Miguel Almiron were going to be the first choice front-line.

But Bruce said: "What have we always said?

"A fully fit Andy Carroll would be a bonus for any team.

"To have him in and around the squad is great.

"Touch wood he stays fit for the next eight or nine games and hopefully we see him again (after that)."

Carroll would continue to play on a pay as you play deal next term.