Andy Carroll could stay at West Brom beyond this season, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The 6 ft 4striker has made a positive impact since joining on a short term contract until the end of the campaign.

How has Carroll performed at West Brom?

Carroll arrived at the Hawthorns following a productive spell with Reading where he scored twice and chipped in with an assist in eight appearances.

As a result, he was snapped up by former Baggies manager Valerien Ismael, who had just lost Daryl Dike to a long-term injury and was in desperate need of a replacement late on in the January window.

Carroll would come straight into the side for the trip to Millwall and would end up playing 90 minutes for the next six matches.

He wasn't able to get his first West Brom goal during that period, but he finally got off the mark in the recent draw with Huddersfield, with his late header rescuing a point for Bruce's side.

During that game, Carroll was West Brom's best-rated player according to WhoScored, in which he won four aerial duels in his 22 minutes on the pitch.

His efforts weren't rewarded with a starting place against Fulham four days later, but it's generally been a positive spell in the Midlands for Carroll.

Therefore, O'Rourke believes that Carroll would be offered a new deal when his current one expires.

What did O'Rourke say about Carroll?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "We know Steve Bruce knows all about him from their time together at Newcastle. He's only on a short term contract, so another short term contract could be on the cards."

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Would Carroll be a good signing for West Brom?

Despite their recent upturn in fortunes, the Baggies have most likely left themselves with too much to do in the race for the top six.

Therefore, keeping Carroll, who's got a proven record in the Championship, would be a wise decision from Bruce.

Dike might be on the verge of returning from his hamstring problem, but if West Brom want to make a genuine challenge for promotion next season, they're going to need a couple of capable strikers on their books, and Carroll definitely fits into that mould.