The big striker, who has two goals in nine England appearances, has forged a deadly partnership with Nolan throughout his career at Newcastle United before they were reunited at the Hammers.
Having suffered a dogged time with injury over the last year, the Geordie forward has returned to the first team fold with a bang hitting five goals – and Nolan is delighted that the club's fans can see the qualities of his close friend.
'He's come back with hunger and desire'
Nolan on Carroll
“That's what Andy's about," Nolan explained. "People obviously see him for his aerial ability, but he's got a lot of ability on the floor and you've seen that in a couple of his goals - Swansea and the finish against Leicester.
"Now he's getting to full fitness everything is going really well for him and I'm delighted. After the tough time he's had with injuries he's come back with hunger and desire.”
Although he failed to get his name on the scoresheet, Carroll once again showed his value to Sam Allardyce’s side as they defeated Bristol City 1-0 on Sunday in The FA Cup. Not only did he deny the Robins a goal with a clearance on the line, but he provided the assist for Diafra Sakho to score the winner.
“A lot of people sat there and gave him a lot of stick, but he's starting to show what he's all about. Now everyone's talking about him for the right things,” Nolan told WHUFC.com.
“You could see on Sunday why Bristol City have been so good this season. It was always going to be a difficult one - they were going to raise their game and we had to be professional and do the right things.
“I think we limited them to not too many chances and then we got the goal we needed at the end. It wasn't the greatest performance but sometimes when you want to go on a run you just need to get in the next round.”
