Andy Carroll: “The summer break was a bit too long.
“I don’t want to be running around every day – I’m ready for a proper game, and at Carlisle we’ve got the chance to do that.
“Last time I played there I did all right, I scored three with my left foot.
“It was good to have a break, but now we’re all hungry to get on.
“I can’t wait to get started again back in the Premier League. Neither can any of the other lads, to be honest.
“We’re all focusing on that first game against Manchester United and being back in the Premier League.
“We just want to play in this division and play the football that we know we can.
“We need to stick at it – it’s a tough season for us and a tough start, but we will stick by each other.
“As long as we’re together as one like last season.
“It’s been tough over in Ireland, but it feels good now that it’s done.
“We’re obviously back here now and working hard.
“All the lads are happy to be back now and working hard.
“The team spirit is great – being away for a week with each other enhances that.
“There has been loads of teamwork over there and it has been very professional. We’ve had three sessions a day so it has been really good.”