Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has spoken of his delight at Andy Carroll's return to his home-town club.
The 30-year-old striker signed a one-year deadline day deal to attempt to revive his injury-plagued career at St James' Park.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's Premier League opener against Arsenal, Bruce said: 'It was just a conversation with Andy. He was desperate - a bit like myself, I suppose - to come back, and of course the big question mark of everybody is can we get him back quickly and can he stay fit?
'If he stays fit, then a fit Andy Carroll is as good as you're going to get. We'll do our utmost. He is determined to come and be successful again here.
'It's his home-town club - it was a no-brainer, really, one of those where you're delighted to do it.'
Carroll underwent ankle surgery in April and has been training with former club West Ham this summer.
However, Sportsmail understands Carroll will need the rest of August to build match fitness and is targeting his second Magpies debut on September 14 at Liverpool, the club he joined for £35million from Newcastle in 2011.
Carroll has signed a one-year deal on a low basic wage with heavy incentives to play and he met the club's medical staff earlier this week, who gave the green light to complete the move.
The forward last played on February 27 but his return has been welcomed by supporters, who hero-worshipped the academy graduate before his club-record sale.