Andy Carroll has admitted Steve Bruce is proving his sceptics wrong after a week that has seen Newcastle pick up seven points in three games to lift them to 10th in the table.

“It was obviously topsy-turvy at the beginning. He wasn’t really everyone’s cup of tea,” said Carroll after Sunday’s 2-1 win over Southampton at St James’ Park. “But I think he’s proving everyone wrong. His tactics last week … Seven points in a week is great. It’s down to the manager, the staff, the players, the hard work that everyone is putting in around the club.”

Carroll has been an important part of Newcastle’s last two wins, marking his first start for his hometown club since 2010 with an assist against Sheffield United in midweek before coming on at the weekend to set up Jonjo Shelvey’s equaliser with a smart cross.

“I was disappointed not to start but I understand what the gaffer was saying,” he said. “He’ll use me when I’m needed. It’s shown with his tactics against Sheffield and again against Southampton. He changed formation and we went and won.”

Carroll, 31 next month, is yet to score since returning to the club in the summer on a free transfer but he is match fit despite undergoing ankle surgery earlier in the year. “I feel good. I felt good after the Sheffield game. I am just feeling fresh. [My ankle’s] no problem at all. I don’t even think about it. It was hard when the ankle was playing up but, as you can see, it’s the same size as the other one when in the past it hasn’t been! I’m working hard in the gym and with the staff. I’m protecting myself through the week’s training, with the manager helping with the days and what I do and what I don’t do.”

Carroll made his 50th Premier League appearance for Newcastle on Sunday and, almost nine years after joining Liverpool for £35m, he admitted he is savouring his second stint at the club much more.

“Making my debut, starting the other day, creating goals, winning games, I appreciate it a lot more. I didn’t really get the chance to appreciate it the last time. I just kind of thought everyone got that chance at 17. I didn’t really understand it as much as I do now. Coming back, it’s a massive club, massive stadium, massive fans. It’s part of me growing up. I never really appreciated it as much as I do now.”