West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has insisted that he will not "panic" and throw striker Andy Carroll into the team.

The former Liverpool forward has not played a game this season after suffering a foot injury before the campaign in August.

Following a lengthy stint on the sidelines and visits to various specialists in Europe, Carroll has returned to light training at the club.

"We're in a difficult position at the moment but I can't panic into putting him back in too quickly," Allardyce said in a press conference.

The Hammers will take on Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League tomorrow.