JUVENTUS goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon today hailed Toon teenage striker Andy Carroll. The Italian World Cup-winning keeper was involved in an ugly clash with the United academy product, after cleaning him out in a two-fisted challenge. And that after the youngster had notched his first goal for the United first team in the 2-0 friendly win over Juventus at St James’ Park yesterday. But Buffon later apologised for his actions, which saw Geordie referee Mark Clattenburg award nothing. He said: “Newcastle were a good team, they are very fit and on form. “They play like a typical English side and played plenty of long passes. “In the second half they did that to us a lot, but it worked well for them. “Carroll played like what we call in Italy a paintbrush striker, he was there to add the finishing touch. “He played well on his own and although Newcastle were aiming for his head with some of their passes, he showed he can play with his feet too because he laid the ball off excellently to the supporting midfielders. “He will be an asset because he can find the players around him in different ways and has already shown he has great awareness.” Meanwhile, Carroll revealed his Geordie pride after bagging his goal yesterday. The 18-year-old from Gateshead had barely touched the ball when he came off the bench for injured Albert Luque, but he polished off his chance with flying colours to beat Buffon. Carroll said: “It was fantastic to score my first goal, especially against such a good team and at St James’ Park. “It’s a great feeling to go out and hear the fans cheering when the ball hit the back of the net. “It was a good strike by Oba and it landed straight in front of me. I took a touch and the only thing I thought was to hit the target. “It was a good strike and I am happy. “It’s been great playing a few games in pre-season, and for me to score my first goal where I wanted to, which was at St James’.” On the horror tackle, Carroll added: “I just saw Buffon coming and I took a touch – and then he just clattered me. “I thought it should have been a free-kick and the ref said at half-time he made the wrong decision, but that’s the way the game goes. “I was happy to get back on my feet after he took me out. “But it’s a great feeling to beat such a good goalkeeper and in front of my family too. “To score against Buffon and beat Juventus is just great.” Buffon had to pick the ball out of his net twice yesterday, with Luque sending him the wrong way from the spot before Carroll thumped home his first strike for the senior team. And despite a roasting from Sam Allardyce in the post-match Press conference, he sent out a good will message to the Toon Army. Buffon added: “I wish Newcastle and their fans all of the best wishes for the new season and I think they will do well. “I like the club, they play in the same social colours as Juve and there are similarities between the clubs. “The last time we played here in the Champions League a few years ago, I enjoyed the atmosphere generated by the home fans. “They are a good set of supporters and I was impressed by everything at the club.” | 
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