David Gold is confident Andy Carroll will play his part during the tour of New Zealand.

Rumours have been surrounding the striker’s fitness after he missed both the team’s pre-season friendlies this far this summer.

He was absent for the 2-2 and 0-0 draws at Stevenage Town and Ipswich Town in midweek before the squad flew out to New Zealand.

That was followed by a Twitter suggestion that the No 9 had reported back unfit and that he would be put on an intensive training programme.

However, Gold made it clear that the player is expected to be involved in the upcoming games in NZ.

He told ClaretandHugh exclusively: “Andy has a slight niggle which is not uncommon among players at this time of the year but I am confident he will be involved.”