Steve Howey was surprised that Andy Carroll hasn't been offered fresh terms by Newcastle and felt he was unused by Steve Bruce last season.

The Magpies boss confirmed the 32-year-old is now looking for a new club following the expiration of his contract last month, which comes after there appeared a possibility that he would extend his second stay at St James' Park.

However, Bruce ended those claims by calling Carroll's Newcastle exit "amicable".

He re-joined from West Ham two years ago, but scored just once in 43 appearances in all competitions and was hardly used by Bruce during his second campaign back in the north East.

Carroll started just four Premier League matches and made a handful of brief late substitute outings during the final four months of the season.

Those cameos were added up to just 20 minutes from February onwards, and Howey expressed his frustration over Carroll's treatment.

He exclusively told Football FanCast:

"I'm surprised because I felt as though he was available a lot more than I thought he would be and wasn't used. I'm not sure what the lad can do if he's given very few minutes on the park. I'd have used him a bit more."