The decision to re-sign Andy Carroll in the summer was a "PR stunt" by Newcastle United intended to get fans onside.
That's the view of Sky Sports pundit and former England international Matt Le Tissier, who sympathises with the frustration of the striker's ongoing injury issues.
Carroll is yet to find the back of the net in his second stint on Tyneside since making the move back to St James' Park last August.
The 31-year-old last featured in black and white in the FA Cup replay success over Rochdale on January 14, and has no return date set after suffering a mystery injury the club have not been able to diagnose.
Carroll's contract runs out at the end of the season and despite impressing during his 536 minutes of action so far, talk has centered on whether the Magpies should offer the Gateshead-born striker another deal.
Speaking on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday, Le Tissier explained he understands the frustration of lengthy spells on the sidelines following his own injury woes towards the end of his career.
However, that did not stop the Southampton legend from offering a scathing assessment of United's decision to offer the former England international a contract.
Following a summer of mass discontent after the departure of Rafa Benitez, Le Tissier reckons the move was fuelled by a desire to win over fans.
In the quotes, as reported by HITC, Le Tissier said: "It's a PR stunt, very much so.
"It had been that long since he had been fit for a period of time. He has [got desire] but it's a shame for the lad.
"Nobody wants to be injured. As a professional footballer, it's the worst place to be where you are sat injured all the time. I had it the last few years of my career and it's just so frustrating. It must be heartbreaking for Andy Carroll.
"But you look at the signing and you do wonder how much thought went into it in terms of can we get him fit and playing regularly, week in, week out. Pretty much [to get fans onside]."
