West Ham United striker Andy Carroll is keeping his fingers crossed that he can avoid any injuries this season after beginning pre-season training with the Premier League outfit.

The former Liverpool forward was ruled out for the majority of the 2013-14 campaign after suffering a foot injury during last summer's pre-season preparations.

"I didn't want last season to end, but I've had a good summer and hopefully this next season is going to be a lot better than the last," Carroll told West Ham TV.

"It was disappointing last summer, being injured a lot, so fingers crossed this season will be a lot more positive with no injuries and I get through pre-season and the whole season to follow."

The Hammers will begin their league campaign with a home match against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on August 16.