Carroll focused on Magpies

Andy Carroll has reiterated he wants to stay at Newcastle United after paying tribute to former manager Chris Hughton.
Newcastle's decision to sack Hughton last week and bring in Alan Pardew as the new boss prompted rumours that Carroll could leave St James' Park in January.
The 21-year-old shrugged off the speculation to deliver an impressive performance in Pardew's first game in charge against Liverpool and he rounded off the 3-1 win with a thumping left-foot finish.
Carroll acknowledged the influence Hughton had on his career and the England striker is determined to continue his progress with Newcastle.
"I'm just going to go out there and carry on doing what I have been doing," Carroll told the Evening Chronicle.
"I've always worked towards being where I am now and want to stay here - it's as simple as that.
"Chris has been absolutely fantastic with me. He stuck by me through a lot and helped me on and off the field.
"All I can say is that I appreciate everything that he has done for me. He's helped me become the player I am now.
"He's gone now, and I just need to keep working on what he's taught me, and with the new manager, I've got to listen to him."
Carroll's goal against Liverpool was his 10th of the season and he feels it was important that fellow goalscorers Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan were back in the team.
He added: "It is very important to keep our performances going, and that's what we did. It's been a tough week, but we've trained as we would have done under Chris.
"He's come in, the gaffer, and told us just to go out there and carry on doing what we've been doing.
"To have Joey out wide putting the balls into the box, and Kev picking up the pieces, is vital for us.
"We have missed both of them, and to have them both back in has lifted everyone."
Barclays Prem Top Goalscorer 10/11: Carroll, A. 10/1
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Donaldson in line for loan

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton says youngster Ryan Donaldson could be rewarded with a loan move if he keeps working hard.
The 19-year-old forward had been linked with short-term stints at Carlisle and Sheffield United, but will now remain at St James' Park until January after the loan window closed last week without a deal being agreed.
But Hughton insists Donaldson, who has appeared just once for the Magpies so far this season, will get the opportunity to gain first-team experience as long as he maintains his focus.
"Ryan just needs to keep his head down and keep playing," Hughton told the Newcastle Chronicle.
"I've always said if there was an opportunity to go out on loan then I would give him it. Hopefully something like that might happen in the future.
"But, in the meantime, he just needs to keep his head down and keep working as hard as he can."
West Brom 5/4, Draw 9/4, Newcastle 9/4
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Taylor hopes to keep place

Steven Taylor hopes to have done enough to stay in the Newcastle team to face West Brom on Sunday.
The 24-year-old defender returned last Sunday for his first game in 10 months and helped the Magpies to a 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
With Mike Williamson and Fabricio Coloccini both suspended, Taylor and summer signing Sol Campbell came in for their first starts of the season and played a big part in holding the defending champions at St James' Park.
Taylor was glad to be back in action and believes he and Campbell can continue to do a job in the centre of defence for manager Chris Hughton.
"It was an unbelievable feeling to be back playing," Taylor told the Evening Chronicle.
"I got a chance to play with Sol Campbell at the back, who I had played with in a reserve game against Manchester City.
"I enjoyed having him talking to me all the game - he's been there and done it. I can learn from Sol, he's fantastic.
"We're in the team now, and hopefully we'll get another chance to play at West Brom," Taylor added. "We've just got to take it game by game."
Taylor's previous appearance had come against West Brom in January and while both sides went on to win promotion from the Championship, the centre-half has been sidelined with knee and shoulder problems.
The former England Under 21 captain has had to wait for his chance since proving his fitness in Peter Beardsley's reserve team and admits it was nerve-wracking to come up against Didier Drogba on his first-team return.
"The nerves were kicking in before the game - it was a massive match for us," he said.
"But once I was out there and warming up, the nerves went. When the whistle went, I was straight back into it.
"I won my first header against Drogba and felt good. We could have won the game, but in many ways, it couldn't have gone better.
"We came through it with no injuries and got a great point. The lads were fantastic."
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Ameobi calls for balance

Shola Ameobi is urging Newcastle United to maintain a consistent level of performance following their encouraging results against the top teams.
Newcastle have beaten the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa and Everton this season, and held champions Chelsea to a 1-1 draw on Sunday.
However, the Magpies have also lost at home to Blackpool, Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers to leave Chris Hughton's side in ninth position in the Premier League.
Ameobi admits Newcastle have been adopting different approaches depending on the opposition and the striker is keen to find the right balance.
"It's annoying that our best performances are against the best teams - and then we drop points against some of the others," said Ameobi.
"When we've played the bigger teams this season, we've kept a good shape and limited them to few chances.
"We're a lot more solid and we don't let them play.
"When we play a team we feel we should be beating, we've been too gung-ho and left ourselves open at the back.
"It's about getting the balance right. We're not quite there yet."
West Brom 5/4, Draw 9/4, Newcastle 9/4
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Magpies deny Chelsea

Man of the Match: Tough call with Tiote, Anelka and Malouda all playing well, but Ashley Cole was a class act, brilliant in defence and attack and never looked like tiring.
Goal of the Game: Kalou's take on the way to scoring his deflected effort just edges Carroll's goal.
Miss of the Match: Late on Kalou should have scored with the goal at his mercy, real poor miss.
Save of the Match: Cole's goal-line clearance from Wayne Routledge's goal-bound volley was brilliant.
Talking point: Chelsea avoid third straight defeat, but is four points from 15 championship material?
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Champions Chelsea failed to recapture top spot in the Premier League as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Newcastle.
An evenly contested match on a bitterly cold day in the North East saw Newcastle go ahead when a mix-up at the back from Chelsea gifted Andy Carroll the opener.
Then just before the break the champions levelled as Salomon Kalou's deflected effort found the back of the net.
Chelsea will feel they could have won the game with Kalou guilty of missing a gilt-edged chance late on but Newcastle were not without their chances and were more than worth their point.
The point means Chelsea moved into second on goal difference above Arsenal but two points off Manchester United, whilst Newcastle are up to ninth.
With Sol Campbell making his first league start for the club and Steven Taylor
playing a competitive game for the first time since January, Chris Hughton's men got off to the perfect start, albeit with a helping hand from Alex.
The Brazilian, whose visit to a wintry Tyneside may have come as something of a culture shock, and keeper Petr Cech, who had already clawed away a second-minute Taylor header, were on entirely different wavelengths as they closed on a seemingly harmless through-ball.
But with Carroll hot on his heels, the defender stabbed it past Cech to allow the England striker to tap the ball into an empty net.
The Magpies could hardly believe their luck, but as they snapped into tackles with midfielder Cheik Tiote in the thick of it following his return from suspension, they made life distinctly uncomfortable for the visitors.
However, Chelsea warmed to their task as the half wore on to dominate possession, and although the home defence were proving stubborn, they gradually started to get on top.
Skipper Didier Drogba forced a fine reaction save from Tim Krul at the near post with a blistering 19th-minute drive, and full-back Jose Enrique had to clear an Alex header off the line seven minutes later.
As the Blues threw men forward, the Magpies threatened on the break with wide men Jonas Gutierrez and Wayne Routledge, in for injured captain Kevin Nolan, prospering sporadically, although the bulk of the traffic was in the opposite direction.
Carlo Ancelotti's men flexed their muscles as the half-time whistle approached, and were convinced they should have had a 43rd-minute penalty for Tiote's clumsy challenge on Ashley Cole as he burst into the area.
They got their reward in injury-time when Kalou carved his way into the penalty area and fired into the bottom corner with the help of a deflection off Taylor's out-stretched leg.
Chelsea returned in determined mood and might have increased their lead with 56 minutes gone when Drogba expertly controlled a long ball and fired in a firm left-foot shot on the turn which Tim Krul got down well to save.
But it was the home side who went close six minutes later when Cech failed to deal with a towering cross and only succeeded in serving the ball up to Wayne Routledge on the edge of the box.
The winger controlled neatly before blasting a volley towards goal, where Cole was perfectly positioned to head off the line.
Chelsea threw everything they had at their hosts as time ran down and Drogba had a 77th-minute strike chalked off for handball, but Kalou could have won it three minutes later when Taylor, Campbell and Krul between them allowed the ball to fall to him beyond the far post, but he fired into the side-netting.
Substitute Daniel Sturridge shot wastefully across the face of goal with four minutes remaining as the champions launched a late onslaught, but Newcastle were not about to surrender a hard-earned point.
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Sol pleased to be back

Sol Campbell was pleased to start his first Premier League match for Newcastle United against Chelsea.
The former England defender, who joined Newcastle in the summer, has been limited to just substitute appearances in the league so far.
But with Mike Williamson and Fabricio Coloccini suspended, he was drafted in to start alongside Steven Taylor and he performed well against Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou.
"It's always nice to come back at home, whenever it comes you've got to take it and get on with it," he told Sky Sports.
"I've been training hard, working hard, and it's great to be out there."
Campbell thought Newcastle were well worth their point against Chelsea, adding: "We had to work hard and use the ball well. They're a great side, they came back to 1-1, but you can't beat it."
Full-back Jose Enrique paid tribute to Campbell and Taylor upon their returns to the side.
"The two centre-backs played their first game and they played really well," the Spaniard said.
"Chelsea are a really good team, we played really well in defence. I think we deserved a draw today and we are really happy with that.
"We had to drop back, it's normal against this team. If not, we lose maybe 6-1."
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Hughton backs defensive duo

Chris Hughton insists Newcastle's untried centre-back pairing of Sol Campbell and Steven Taylor will be ready for the visit of Chelsea.
The Magpies will be forced to field the duo together when the reigning Premier League and FA Cup winners come to St James' Park on Saturday after learning Mike Williamson and Fabricio Coloccini are both suspended.
Newcastle were in London on Wednesday as Williamson was given a three-match ban for violent conduct in last weekend's 5-1 defeat to Bolton Wanderers.
And the defender will join Coloccini on the sidelines after the Argentina international saw red in the same match, meaning Campbell and Taylor are set to form the defensive bedrock for the Tyneside club.
"What we have is both Sol and Steven available for Chelsea," Hughton, who is confident the duo will be able to cope with Didier Drogba and Co. this weekend, told the Chronicle.
"They've both started games, albeit at reserve level. That's where we are with them."
While neither player has started for Newcastle in the league this season, both defenders have a wealth of top-flight experience.
Campbell - who was on the winning side the last time he faced Chelsea - has made two substitute appearances for the Magpies this year and Taylor - who is currently transfer listed due to failed contract negotiations - has only recently recovered from injury.
Newcastle v Chelsea Clean Sheet: Newcastle 4/1
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Williamson to serve ban

Newcastle defender Mike Williamson has been found guilty of violent conduct and banned for three games.
The Magpies centre-half was informed by the Football Association that he faced punishment on Monday, following an incident during a meeting with Bolton on Saturday.
Williamson denied the charge, which related to a coming together involving Trotters striker Johan Elmander, and hoped he would be cleared.
However, the FA has informed him that he has been found guilty of the charge and he must serve a three-match ban.
A statement released by the FA read: "At an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today (Wednesday), Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson was given a three-match suspension for violent conduct."
Williamson was not pulled up for the offence at the time, with the match officials having missed the incident.
He has been retrospectively charged, with the FA keen to clamp down on any acts it deems to have infringed the rules of the game.
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Williamson charged by FA

Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson has been charged with violent conduct following an incident involving Bolton Wanderers striker Johan Elmander.
Williamson clashed with Elmander off the ball during the first half of Bolton's 5-1 victory over Newcastle at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.
The incident was not spotted by referee Howard Webb, but the Football Association has reviewed video footage and opted to charge Williamson.
A Football Association statement said: "Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson has today been charged with violent conduct.
"The charge relates to an incident involving Johan Elmander in his side's fixture with Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, November 20.
"Williamson has until 6pm on Tuesday, November 23 to reply to the charge and under the FA's fast-track regulations, may admit the charge and accept a standard three-match suspension."
If Williamson either accepts the charge, or is subsequently found guilty, he will leave the Magpies with a defensive headache.
Fellow centre-half Fabricio Coloccini was sent off against Bolton after elbowing Elmander in the second half and both players could miss Sunday's game against Chelsea.
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Hughton defends Coloccini

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton has defended Fabricio Coloccini following his sending-off against Bolton.
The Argentine was shown a straight red card for an apparent eblow on Bolton striker Johan Elmander during his side's 5-1 defeat at the Reebok Stadium.
Coloccini now faces a three-game ban for the offence, but Hughton insists the defender is not a malicious player.
"No arguments with the red card," said Hughton. "With Coloccini it is worth stating that he is not a malicious player. It was a frustrating afternoon for him. I think Elmander was going to do him for pace. I don't think there is maliciousness in it."
Coloccini could be joined on the sidelines by defensive partner Mike Williamson following his off-the-ball clash with Elmander.
Elmander was left pole-axed after a clash with Williamson in the first half which went unnoticed by referee Howard Webb.
However, Williamson could find himself handed a ban if the FA uses video evidence to look at the incident.
Hughton admits Newcastle need to clean up their act as they already without Joey Barton after his punch on Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pedersen earlier this month.
"It is something we have to be a bit careful about because of the size of the squad," added Hughton.
"It was a big blow to miss Joey in the fashion we did, and now of course we will miss Coloccini presumably for three games.
"It is a big blow for us. We do have a tight squad. Now we will go into more testing times over the Christmas period."
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Coyle hails top display

Bolton boss Owen Coyle believed his side had been at their best when beating Newcastle 5-1 to move up to fourth in the table.
Skipper Kevin Davies scored a brace of penalties, Johan Elmander notched twice and Chung yong-Lee was also on the scoresheet as the Trotters ran amok at the Reebok Stadium.
Andy Carroll scored and hit the crossbar for the Magpies, who also had Fabricio Coloccini sent off, but Bolton were good value for their victory.
"Well I think it was (a five-star performance). I felt we started on the front foot, really took the game to Newcastle," Coyle told Sky Sports, adding it was a very valuable three points.
"We knew we were going to have to be at our best but I felt we were today and certainly warranted the three points."
He refused to get drawn on whether referee Howard Webb had got both penalties right, with replays showing the unlucky Jose Enrique had got the ball for the second spot-kick.
"The first one's a clear handball as far as I was concerned, there's a couple of other things that went on in the game that went unnoticed so I'm not going to get drawn on that.
"I'm delighted with the way my players went about it, quality performance, fully deserving the three points.
"There would be nobody (at this game) coming away thinking we didn't deserve to win this and I suggest we had a lot more chances than the ones we've scored with."
But Coyle refused to get carried away, despite Bolton moving up to fourth in the table.
"We're enjoying it at the moment, there's no doubt about that, but we have to continue working hard and that's what brings you rewards in football," he said.
Barclays Prem Top 4 Finish 10/11 Top 4 Finish: Bolton 20/1
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Hughton - We self-destructed

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton believed his side had contributed to their own downfall in the 5-1 loss to Bolton.
Magpies skipper Kevin Nolan missed an early chance before gifting his old club the opener when handballing in the box, with Bolton captain Kevin Davies stepping up to score from the penalty spot.
Goals from Chung Yong-Lee and Johan Elmander either side of half-time put the Trotters firmly in control before Andy Carroll scored to give the Magpies a glimmer of hope.
But Elmander put the issue beyond doubt when out-muscling Fabricio Coloccini and slotting home, before the Newcastle defender was sent off soon afterwards for elbowing the Swede.
Carroll then hit the crossbar before Davies netted an injury-time penalty to complete the rout, although replays showed Jose Enrique had got the ball.
Hughton told Sky Sports: "It was a very difficult day for us. We added to our own problems, certainly in that first-half period.
"We started the game, I thought, very well, coped with the game that they play, very much working off the two front players (Davies and Elmander) but I thought we coped with it very well.
"But we added to our downfall by giving away two very poor goals in that first-half period.
"And then of course, what you have got - particularly here and in the form that they're in - you've got a mountain to climb so we didn't do ourselves any favours today."
Asked if he thought the penalties and sending off against his side had been right, he replied; "Well I thought certainly on the penalty second half - first half yes, Kevin's handballed it and I've got no arguments with that one - the second-half penalty Enrique most definitely plays the ball and I think you'll see that tonight but it didn't seem like it would be our day today.
"But no arguments with most of the decisions, as I say we added to our own downfall.
"We created chances ourselves - that was the shame - that I think if we were able to keep the scoreline down to a reasonable score then we were still very, very much in the game.
"But the game became an open game - of course, when we went down to ten men it was going to be that much more difficult for us and it was a hard afternoon for us."
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Five-star Trotters go fourth

Man of the match: Johan Elmander. Scored twice and a goal assist from the big Swede who was on fire at the Reebok. He is full of confidence and looking to score at every opportunity.
Goal of the match: Elmander's first. Chung-yong Lee fed the ball to Kevin Davies who made a simple pass to Elmander who rounded the keeper and slotted home. Simple, incisive passing and a great finish.
Attempt of the match: Matt Taylor's attempt from 30 yards out from a free-kick, which hit the crossbar before Lee eventually slotted home for the second Bolton goal.
Save of the match: Jussi Jaaskelainen made a good point-blank save from Shola Ameobi early on, although the striker then was given offside.
Moment of the match: Elmander's goal just after the break. Newcastle were two down at the time but could have come back into it with a goal but Elmander's effort made it too big a mountain to climb.
Talking point: Elmander was felled by Mike Williamson in the first period. He claimed a head butt but referee Howard Webb gave no punishment. Newcastle were unlucky for the late Davies penalty when replays showed Jose Enrique had got the ball.
Braces from Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies saw Bolton Wanderers beat Newcastle United 5-1 and move fourth in the table.
Owen Coyle's side went ahead when Davies scored from the spot in the 18th minute after ex-Bolton player Kevin Nolan had handled in the box.
Soon afterwards, Elmander went down under an off-the-ball incident with Mike Williamson but the Newcastle player received no punishment.
Chung-yong Lee then doubled Bolton's advantage on 39 minutes after Matt Taylor's free-kick struck the crossbar and Danny Simpson's clearance hit Elmander, sending the ball into Lee's path to slot home.
Elmander then added a third five minutes after the restart after rounding Tim Krul following Davies' incisive short pass.
But Andy Carroll gave Newcastle hope two minutes later when latching onto the ball and scoring after Stuart Holden had tackled Shola Ameobi.
Elmander put the issue beyond doubt, however, when out-muscling Fabricio Coloccini and slotting home on 72 minutes, before the Newcastle defender was sent off four minutes later for elbowing the Swede.
Carroll then hit the crossbar before Davies netted an injury-time penalty to complete the rout.
Nolan's first appearance at the Reebok Stadium since his £4million move to Newcastle in January last year had started with a rousing reception from the home fans but quickly turned sour as Chris Hughton's men slid to a big defeat.
But the Newcastle skipper could have given his side a dream start when he seized on a mistake by Paul Robinson soon after kick-off and cut into the box from the right before blazing a fine chance high and wide.
Carroll then crossed from the left to Ameobi at the far post who shot and drew a save from Jussi Jaaskelainen but referee Howard Webb had blown for offside.
Bolton began to get a grip on the game and had their first chance in the 15th minute when Lee crossed from the right and almost found Fabrice Muamba in front of goal.
Nolan's return got worse three minutes later when he handled an attempted cross by Lee in the box and Webb pointed to the spot, Davies striking low to Krul's left to give Bolton the lead.
With Bolton now well on top, Davies tried a left-foot snap-shot which Krul held at the second attempt, then he almost shrugged off the attention of three defenders to create a 27th minute chance before Simpson intervened.
The visitors fashioned a rare chance in the 31st minute when Jose Enrique got round the back of the Bolton defence and dribbled a deep cross which was missed in the box by Carroll, making a sluggish return from midweek England duty.
Williamson's foul on Elmander led to Bolton's second in the 39th minute. Taylor slammed his free-kick against the bar and as Newcastle blundered their attempts to clear, Simpson's kick hit Elmander, with the ball rebounding to Lee who fired low past Krul.
Lee came close to a second when he just failed to connect with a Davies cross, but Newcastle could have reduced the deficit in the last minute of the half when Carroll just missed a Danny Guthrie cross.
Bolton could have gone further ahead within two minutes of the restart when Taylor was given an alarming amount of space on the left but his cross towards the unmarked Davies was cut out by Enrique.
And the home side did make it three in the 50th minute when Lee fed Davies, whose superb short pass sent Elmander clear to coolly round Krul and convert his seventh goal of the season.
Newcastle reduced the deficit out of nowhere just two minutes later when Holden tackled Ameobi on the edge of the box and the ball fell to Carroll, who fired low to Jaaskelainen's left to give his side a glimmer of hope.
As the game continued to open up, Gary Cahill rammed a left-foot shot just wide from long range and the Magpies fired another warning with Jonas Gutierrez's left-wing cross just missing Nolan and the diving Carroll in the box.
Nolan was booked for barging Elmander as the pair chased a loose ball on the edge of the box before Taylor slammed the resulting free-kick into the wall as Coyle's men pushed for a match-winning fourth.
It duly arrived in the 72nd minute when Elmander was first to a long ball up-field from Jaaskelainen, shrugging off Coloccini before sliding the ball under the advancing Krul.
Things got worse for Newcastle in the 76th minute when Coloccini elbowed Elmander as they battled for possession down the right flank, and the full-back was red-carded by referee Webb.
Williamson slammed a shot over the bar on 85 minutes and Ivan Klasnic came close for Bolton before Davies rounded off the rout with a second spot-kick in injury-time, although replays showed the unlucky Enrique had got the ball.
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Taylor blow for Magpies

Newcastle United utility man Ryan Taylor could be sidelined for up to three months with an ankle ligament injury suffered in training.
Taylor, who can play at either right-back or on the right side of midfield, is believed to have been injured last week in a challenge with former England defender Sol Campbell.
The Magpies have now confirmed that the 26-year-old will be out for "10 to 12 weeks", meaning he will now miss the whole of the club's busy Christmas period.
However, Taylor was only on the periphery of manager Chris Hughton's first team having made just four appearances to date this season, with his only three starts all coming in Carling Cup action.
Despite Taylor's lack of regular football, Hughton has bemoaned the loss of his services to injury.
"It's very disappointing to lose Ryan for this period of time," he admitted.
"Although he hasn't played as much football as he would have liked, he has been a very valuable member of our squad this season."
Newcastle travel to Bolton this weekend seeking to end their two-game winless run after following up their 2-1 St James' Park defeat to Blackburn last week with a goalless draw at home to Fulham.
Bolton 11/10, Draw 12/5, Newcastle 12/5
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Carroll inspired by Shearer

Andy Carroll has identified Alan Shearer as his key inspiration as he prepares to make his England debut.
Newcastle striker Carroll, who will run out against France in Wednesday's international friendly at Wembley, says he has idolised legendary Toon hit-man Shearer since watching him from the stands at St James' Park as a youngster.
The 21-year-old then got to play for Shearer during his brief reign as Newcastle boss, when he fought in vain against their relegation to the Championship.
And Carroll says he strives to one day be as prolific in the No.9 jersey as the former Magpies ace.
"Alan Shearer was my hero," Carroll said in The Sun "I watched him play for Newcastle and wanted to be like him.
"He was strong, held the ball up well against defenders, was good in the air and on the ground. He had the all-round game as a striker and that's how I want to be.
"When he was my manager for a short time, he was always encouraging me.
"He used to do some individual sessions with me and you can't hope for a much better teacher.
"He gave me a lot of belief that I could do well in this game.
"I'd love to be as good as he was but, if I can achieve half of what he did, I won't be doing too badly either."
Carroll, who has already netted seven goals for the Toon this season, admits he is still improving his game, but is determined to prove himself for England as he looks to become the new Three Lions' centre-forward.
"I'm still learning as a striker, you don't stop doing that. People talk about what I can do in the air but there is more to my game than just headers," he said.
"I can bring my team-mates into the game as well and I like to have a shot from inside or outside the box.
"I want to show the England manager and fans what I can do. I'm confident in my ability to score at international level.
"There were questions about whether I could make the step up from the Championship to the Premier League but I've done that and, now, I've got the chance to do it for England.
"Being centre-forward for Newcastle was something I always dreamed of but to be England's No 9 would be special. As a kid, it's what you wish for.
"Chris Hughton, my manager, and all the lads at Newcastle are the ones who have helped make this possible. We have a really good, tight-knit group and they were delighted when I made the squad."
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Carroll earns boss praise

Andy Carroll earned the praise of both managers after he came closest to breaking the deadlock in Newcastle's goalless draw with Fulham at St James' Park.
Cottagers goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer denied Carroll his eighth goal of the season with a superb save which ensured honours remained even on Tyneside.
Newcastle boss Chris Hughton said: "He is a young player who we have wanted to make very good progress - he has done exactly that. He has added goals to his game.
"He is very different to most other strikers and he couldn't have done any more this season to stake a claim (for England).
"When we decided to give him that number nine shirt, it was because we felt he could very much develop into that role, and he couldn't have done any more than he has done."
Fulham boss Mark Hughes saw central defender Brede Hangeland deal well with the Gateshead-born frontman, but is confident he can make an impression on the international stage when his chance comes.
He said: "He will certainly make an impression. Whether or not he would be able to go straight in and cement a place long-term, that's a different debate.
"But if he was involved, he would certainly make people sit up and take notice of him, certainly in opposition.
"He's a difficult player to deal with and if he gets the right service, which on occasions he has had this season, then he's a real threat and you have to acknowledge that."
Carroll might have proved the match-winner once again had it not been for the excellence of Schwarzer.
The Australian, who had earlier pulled off an instinctive save to deny Peter Lovenkrands, made a breathtaking 52nd-minute stop to keep his stinging volley out of the bottom corner.
Schwarzer was well protected for much of the game with Hangeland working hard to limit Carroll's opportunities, and their side might have left with all three points - something they have not done in the Premier League since August last year - had it not been for Tim Krul and the crossbar.
The Dutchman denied Clint Dempsey three times, but needed the help of the woodwork to keep out Moussa Dembele's 70th-minute volley.
Hughes, however, was happy enough with a point.
He said: "We are pleased with what we have produced today. It was important we came here and were really positive, and I think we were.
"From our point of view, we very much view it as a very good, professional away performance today."
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Brede set to combat Carroll

Mark Hughes is confident the highly-competitive Brede Hangeland will prove more than a match for Andy Carroll when Fulham visit Newcastle.
Carroll has excelled for the promoted Magpies since their arrival in the Premier League this term, with his seven goals in 12 games likely to earn him a maiden call-up to the England squad for Wednesday's friendly against France.
The 21-year-old has found the back of the net in his last two outings and has a final chance to impress Fabio Capello and his staff when the Italian makes the trip to St James' Park on Saturday.
Centre-back Hangeland, however, could put the brakes on the rising Toon star having managed to keep Didier Drogba at bay in Fulham's 1-0 west London derby defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday night.
And Cottagers manager Hughes has revealed just how much the 29-year-old hates to lose.
"He is very disappointed when he loses games, as we all are, even if he loses challenges or five-a-sides on training fields," said Hughes.
"There is the same intensity to his work.
"He wants to work hard for the team and that inner drive is what you want to see in players."
Hughes knows Hangeland will need the support of his team-mates to keep Carroll quiet for the full 90 minutes.
"Obviously, we are aware of the areas that Andy Carroll likes to attack, so hopefully we can actually stop the source to him," he said.
"I think that's probably the best plan of action.
"But that is not easy to do on every occasion so, when the ball is played into our box, we want the likes of Brede to challenge and show his strength in the air as well."
Despite Carroll's on-field exploits, Hughes feels the striker's headline-making off-field activities could hinder his chance of an England call-up.
He said: "You have to say issues around his life may cloud the clearness of that decision but, in football terms, he deserves a call-up."
Hughes has nothing but praise for opposite number Chris Hughton and admitted his surprise that the Toon boss is yet to be offered a new contract to replace the one which expires in the summer.
"I think everyone in football is surprised he has not been offered a new contract," said Hughes of the man who has led Newcastle to fifth place after 12 games of their first season back in the top flight.
"He's done a great job. He's stabilised the club after relegation and brought them back up and now they are riding high."
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Mills - Barton regrets punch

Danny Mills has spoken to Joey Barton and claims the Newcastle man knows he has stepped out of line.
Barton has been handed a three-match ban by the Football Association after lashing out at Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pedersen during a fixture at St James' Park on Wednesday.
The Magpies midfielder reacted angrily to being charged by the Rovers winger, punching him in the chest.
It is not the first time Barton has been in trouble with the authorities, and he admits he faces a constant battle to control his anger issues.
Mills, though, insists his former Manchester City team-mate is working hard to alter his ways and honestly believes that he regrets his latest act of petulance.
"I spoke to Joey yesterday (Thursday) and he regrets what he did," Mills told Sky Sports News Radio.
"From his point of view it was a stupid reaction. There had been a bit of a couple of off the ball things with Pedersen earlier in the game and he just shoulder-barged him, not particularly hard, and Joey reacted.
"Joey knows he reacted badly and shouldn't have done it and it's a shame because Joey's form, last season and at the start of this season, has been fantastic.
"He has been integral to what Newcastle are doing, and their position in the league, and I think we have to be careful. He has made a mistake, but it wasn't the worst punch in the world.
"Morten Gamst Pedersen went down slightly too easy, I think he could have taken a standing count of eight quite easily but he crumpled to the floor like it was a knock-out punch. It wasn't a swinging haymaker.
"You can't justify what Joey did, but I think we have to get it in perspective. Had it been any other player, it would have been a three-game ban and we'd have forgotten about it.
"The fact that it's Joey and his history, and he does have this constant battle, he's been in prison, he's had a lot to deal with. I think Joey realises that he made a mistake, he will put this out of his mind and it will now be all about how he reacts when he comes back."
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Sorry Barton accepts ban

Joey Barton has accepted a Football Association charge of violent conduct and issued an apology for his actions against Blackburn.
The Newcastle midfielder appeared to punch Morten Gamst Pedersen in the chest during his side's 2-1 defeat at home to Rovers on Wednesday night.
He escaped any punishment at the time as the incident occurred behind the back of referee Mike Jones.
The Football Association was therefore allowed to review video footage and handed out a charge to Barton earlier on Thursday.
The 28-year-old was given more than 24 hours to respond but has come forward quickly to confirm that he will not be lodging an appeal.
Barton must therefore serve a three-match suspension, ruling him out of Newcastle's Premier League games against Fulham, Bolton and Chelsea.
He has said sorry for the way he reacted, admitting that he had been unable to control his aggression for the first time this season.
"I fully accept that I was in the wrong on this occasion and accept the charge that the FA have brought against me," said Barton.
"I would like to apologise to Chris Hughton, my team-mates, our supporters and of course to Morten Gamst Pedersen and Blackburn Rovers.
"This season, I have really been enjoying my football and although I have been on the receiving end of a few robust challenges, I have, up until now, remained calm in the face of provocation and just carried on with the game.
"But I hold my hands up, I reacted badly to the situation on Wednesday night and I deeply regret it.
"I have been working very hard to keep that side of my game under control and I think it has showed in the way I have been able to get on and enjoy my football this season.
"I look forward to trying to get back into the team once my suspension is over and helping the club maintain its good start to the season."
Hughton added that it was a blow to lose Barton but admitted there could be no argument with the charge.
"We accept the action taken by the FA, and it is of course disappointing to lose Joey for three games," said the manager.
"He has worked so hard on his game this season, but he knows that he can't react the way he did on Wednesday."
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Barton battling to curb rage

Joey Barton has admitted he is constantly fighting his 'natural instinct' towards aggression which led to his ugly clash with Morten Gamst Pedersen.
The Newcastle midfielder immediately accepted a charge of violent conduct from the Football Association and will now serve a three-match ban after being caught on camera punching the Rovers midfielder in the chest during Wednesday night's 2-1 defeat at St James' Park.
Barton has a well-documented history of on and off-field problems which led to a spell in prison and he admits that despite the help of organisations such as the Sporting Chance clinic he will never be able to fully change his ways.
The one-time England international is not attempting to make excuses for his actions, which he is quick to accept were wrong, but insists he is working to keep his temper under control.
"Everyone knows I have anger issues and on the pitch people are going to test my temperament," Barton told the Daily Mail.
"I realise that. But people ask me, 'Have you not changed?' and I say, 'No, this is me, I have this aggression in me and I'm trying to handle it'.
"I'm not a changed man because it's who I am. It's something inside me, a natural instinct that makes me stand and fight. I just continue to work at it.
"I'll always be fighting to curb it and it's a battle for me. I have these anger issues but I know that when it turns to rage, like it did against Blackburn, it is not acceptable.
"It was a moment of stupidity from me. I shouldn't have reacted like that even if I was slightly provoked. I can't condone it and I deserve a ban. I am human but I have made a mistake I regret."
Barton, who has given up alcohol after the problems he encountered earlier in his career, instantly regretted his moment of madness in midweek and accepts that Premier League players have a duty to set the right example.
"Footballers are role models and I have always recognised that," he added.
"But I'm not even a role model to myself. Drink was a big problem for me. That was one of the reasons I ended up in prison, and I can see more clearly now that I have abstained from it.
"As soon as it happened I was thinking, 'Oh for ****'s sake. I can't believe I've done that'.
"At the training ground I watched it with all the lads on television. I just turned to them and said, 'That's me out for three games'. I was obviously sorry."
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