Today, ahead of the massive Tyne & Wear derby at the weekend, we’re delighted to announce that Newcastle and England striker Andy Carroll has signed for Umbro. Just months after making his international debut, and with 11 goals already scored in the league this season, Andy joins other top players such as his Sunderland rivals Darren Bent and Jordan Henderson by proudly wearing Umbro boots.

Andy wears the classic Umbro Speciali boot and the number 9 shirt, just like legendary Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer, and has shown a similar prowess in front of goal.

We spoke to Andy recently about signing his first sponsorship deal, his season so far and his hopes for the future. Here’s what he had to say…

How does it feel to have signed up with Umbro?

“It’s great, I’m really to happy to joining everyone here.”

We hear you like classic boots like the Speciali?

“Yeah, I tried out the Specialis and I really liked them so I’ve stuck with them. I did try some coloured boots but they’re not for me, I didn’t play well in them!”

This season is going great for you so far, have you set yourself any targets?

“I don’t set any targets, no, last season we had some within the club but this time around we’re just concentrating on getting the results with the team.”

And what about making your England debut, how was that?

“It still hasn’t sunk in to be honest. I always wanted to get there, but I knew it’d take a lot of hard work. Hopefully it’ll be the first of many – now I’ve got one I definitely want to push on and get more caps.”

England and Newcastle number 9, both wearing Speciali boots, how does it feel to be compared with Mr. Shearer?

“It’s fantastic, he’s a legend, but I’m just trying to concentrate on scoring goals and on my own thing first. I’ve a long way to go yet.”

It’s the big derby match at the weekend, after your big win earlier this season are you looking forward to the return leg?

“Yeah, hopefully we’ll be able to do it again! It was obviously a great result at our place, but it’s a lot different going away, but it’d be terrific if we could pull it off. My mum’s family is from Sunderland, so it was interesting last time around! My phone was pretty quiet afterwards, not many messages from them!”

Do you think derby games mean more to local lads like yourself?

“It definitely means a lot to someone like me who used to go to all the games, had a season ticket, and is now playing. But I don’t think the other players see it as just another game – they know how much it means to the fans, and I think you could see that in the derby match earlier in the season.”

Do you know many of the Sunderland players?

“I know Jordan Henderson quite well – he’s in a similar position to me in that he’s grown up around the club, so I’m sure he’ll be looking to make it up to their fans in the return match. He definitely wasn’t happy after the last result!”

Thanks to Andy for taking the time to speak to us, and good luck to him in the game on Sunday. Good luck to Darren Bent, Jordan Henderson and Nedum Onuoha as well, over on the Sunderland side!