Is there still a home for Andy Carroll at Upton Park?

Where then does battering ram Carroll fit into this new, flexible system in which Sakho is the main man? It is up to the former Liverpool and Newcastle United striker to prove he can adapt and that he is more than a one-trick pony, but it is not the centre forward’s fault that he was recruited with a different style in mind.

When questioned over the former England star’s return, Allardyce’s response was telling. He said: “We’re hopefully going to get him back as quick as we can but we’re not going to rush him back because, touch wood, there’s no desperate need at the moment.”

That may have now changed, however, as an ill-timed shoulder injury to star man Sakho means he could miss up to a month. Still, with Valencia and Carlton Cole available, West Ham are seemingly in no “rush” to deploy their club record signing just yet.

Currently basking in the glow of “well done” texts from Jose Mourinho, and the adulation of Russell Brand, it is understandable that Big Sam will not want to face the selection headache of where to fit his unpopular target man.

Once a quintessential Allardyce signing, fringe man Carroll has struggled to make the impact his price tag demanded with just nine goals in 39 Premier League outings over his last two injury-riddled campaigns.

It appears Big Sam does not intend to part with his pet just yet, but Carroll remains an unfortunate reminder of friction with fans over playing style.

Big Sam has struggled to shrug off the tag of turgid football he has found success with over his career, but with West Ham’s full backs pumping in crosses for Sakho, Carroll could still be useful as part of this new approach.

Less mobile than his Senegalese counterpart, build-up play would surely suffer with Carroll leading the line. There would be no harm, however, in keeping the 25-year-old on the bench to provide a different option for tough games, and when in search of a last-ditch goal.

He is unlikely to have a starting spot whilst Sakho and Valenica are available, but man mountain Carroll can certainly still play an important role in the Hammers’ resurgence, with his unique physique and ability to terrorise defences with a rough and tumble style.