West Ham United striker Andy Carroll is targeting his return to fitness for the Hammers' Premier League opener against Cardiff City.

The England international suffered a heel injury in the final game of last season against Reading and has been out of action all pre-season after making his move to Upton Park permanent.

"I've been working hard," the Daily Star quotes him as saying. "I've been away to Germany with the lads and keeping myself as fit as I can with the work I can still do with my heel still being sore.

"It's been tough but I've been working hard to be back for the start of the season. I'm dying to get back kicking a ball again.

"Everyone is buzzing about and have come back in great form and great spirits, looking forward to the start of the season."

Sam Allardyce's side have also signed Razvan Rat, Adrian and Danny Whitehead this summer.