Andy Carroll picture special

Andy Carroll is in good spirits as he continues his recovery from a plantar fasciitis injury at the Move to Cure centre in Belgium.

Working closely with world renowned physical therapist Lieven Maesschalck, the Hammers striker has been the subject of a visit from a national newspaper as he continues his hard work.

The Daily Mail went out to see the England international and found a player who is keen to get back into a Claret and Blue shirt as quickly as possible.

He said: "The first objective, of course, is to get back playing well for West Ham. I want to do that because they've been so supportive but if England follows, that would be good too.

"I still talk to the lads from out here. They're a top bunch and I like to keep in touch with what's going on. And Sam, the manager, has been great. He calls me a lot to see how I'm getting on."

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Carroll is enjoying a good working relationship with Maesschalck

Carroll flies out to Antwerp on Sunday night and works with Maesschalck from Monday morning until Saturday afternoon when he will fly home for an evening.

The forward is already feeling the benefits of his hard work and is looking forward to strutting his stuff at the Boleyn Ground in the not too distant future.

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The striker is working tirelessly in the gym

"I do three or four hours here and then go to the pool for deep-water running. I'm working very hard and I actually feel pretty fit."

"I just want that feeling of being free from injury when I'm out on the pitch again, because it's been a tough couple of years. I know what I'm capable of. I know that, when I'm on my game, there are not many people who can live with me."

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Carroll working with weights in a knee strengthening excersise

The man who is overseeing Carroll's recovery admits he has been impressed with the No9 during his time in Belgium.

He said: "He's a good guy. He works hard. He has a great attitude. He is never late; always ready to work.

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The striker has been surrounded by other athletes recovering from injury

"His injury was bad but it is not so serious that he can't get better. This is something we have seen before, with sprinters and dancers. And Andy is a big guy. Very powerful. But if you look at him now and compare him to last week... big steps."

*All pictures courtesy of Graham Chadwick / Daily Mail