I AM a big fan of Andy Carroll, but there is no doubting that he was naive in the 1-1 draw with Burnley on Saturday.

Carroll picked up two bookings in as many first half minutes to be given his marching orders at Turf Moor.

He is a seasoned pro and both yellow cards were for him using his elbow in aerial duels.

But I have no idea why he went for the second challenge. He was miles away from the ball originally and went in for the header at full speed and if he had caught the defender badly, he could have taken his head off!

I understand why Slaven Bilic publicly criticised Carroll because he was naive and it cost West Ham two extra points.

Michail Antonio had put the Hammers ahead early on and Carroll’s red card meant West Ham had to play more than an hour with 10 men.

Carroll has suffered so many injuries and now he is suspended.

I think if Carroll was fully fit all of the time, he would be in the England squad.

He must be running out of chances at the club because of his lack of games due to injuries, and now his red card means he will miss Friday’s match with Brighton & Hove Albion.

But what I would argue is you would rather a fit Carroll in your squad rather than having to play against him.

His aerial threat cannot be matched in the Premier League and it is difficult to leave him out of the side.

He is as important defensively, on set-plays, as he is going forward.

But West Ham must be deliberating when they would be better off to cut their losses.

Bilic’s side put in a good display - particularly after going down to 10 men - and Burnley are in good form.

I think we would have won the game had Carroll not been sent off but the performance and recent results mean I am optimistic.