West Ham striker Andy Carroll declared on Twitter on Saturday that he is chomping at the bit to return to Sam Allardyce's squad sooner than later.

And the 25-year-old now has even more reason to be cheerful after it has emerged that he and his long-term partner, former TOWIE star Billi Mucklow, are now engaged.

The pair recently jetted out to Rome on a private jet to celebrate Billi's birthday and while they have not officially confirmed the news themselves, friends have been sending on their congratulations via social media.

Billi's Mucklow best friend Cara Kilbey passes on her congratulations on her engagement to Andy Carroll

Lauren Goodger also passed on her congratulations to Carroll and Bucklow on the big news

Carroll could return to the West Ham squad for the first time this season against Aston Villa

Cara Kilbey and Lauren Goodger, who have both appeared on TOWIE in the past, passed on their congratulations on Instagram and Twitter respectively.

Kilbey said: 'Congratulations to These Two Special People on their engagement. #Rome ❤️ I am so happy for you both xxxx', with Goodger adding: 'Congratulations and just seen the ring on FaceTime wow!! So happy for you both lots of love'.

Carroll could return to the Hammers squad for the first time this season after a four-month injury lay off, as Allardyce's side look to continue their impressive start to the season.

Carroll's wife-to-be posted a picture on Instagram from the private jet Carroll had hired to take the pair to Rome