Source: Northern_Echo
Carroll faces Magpies inquest
NEWCASTLE UNITED are conducting an in-house investigation before deciding whether Andy Carroll will face disciplinary action after the striker was questioned by police over an alleged assault in a city centre nightclub early yesterday morning.[LNB] The England Under-21 international reported for training yesterday and Chris Hughton confirmed that the striker will be included in the Magpies squad travelling to Coventry tomorrow evening.[LNB] In September 2008 Carroll received a caution for an assault on a woman in the city centre.[LNB] Newcastle players must adhere to a strict code of conduct and the club will quiz the Gateshead-born forward before making a formal announcement regarding any potential breach of rules.[LNB] Carroll, who became a father for the first time in September, has contributed four goals to Newcastle's bid for promotion this season and he featured as a second half substitute in last Saturday's 2-0 home victory over Watford that extended his team's undefeated run to six matches.[LNB] Hughton was very reluctant to discuss Carroll but the manager confirmed: He is available for selection. He has trained and trained very well today.[LNB] I think the best way is always to deal with things inhouse always. It's very much a club issue. As per normal when something happens, we of course always have to speak with the player, find out the facts and the normal stuff like that. Until that's been done, the only thing I can really say is no comment'.[LNB] Carroll was picked up by police at 1.30am yesterday on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was taken for questioning, before being released on bail pending further enquiries.[LNB] The 20-year-old was allegedly involved in a brawl with another reveller inside the Blu Bambu nightspot in Newcastle's Bigg Market.[LNB] A man was taken to Newcastle General Hospital with head injuries following the incident and later discharged.[LNB] In October Hughton revealed that he'd cautioned the younger members of his squad, including Carroll and fellow-striker Nile Ranger, about the dangers of becoming involved in offfield distractions. At the time, the Magpies boss said: The most important thing after our games is recovery and doing things right off the pitch as well. We continually drive that home to these young players. There are a lot of distractions there for young men in a city like this, but they are professional footballers and they have to remember that.[LNB] Preparation and recuperation have to be key. This league drives it home even more because of the number of games we have to play.[LNB] I have been delighted with their attitude so far, but it is something we will continue to keep a close eye on because they have an important role to play for the team this season.[LNB] Hughton will be without Kevin Nolan for tomorrow's game as the midfielder serves a one match suspension with Nicky Butt offering the manager an experienced replacement. Shola Ameobi is expected to be included in the squad to face Chris Coleman's side who've only secured two wins at the Ricoh Arena this season.[LNB] Newcastle sit four points clear at the top of the Championship and Hughton stressed the importance of his squad maintaining its discipline as they go in search of a third successive away win.[LNB] He said: You're there to be shot down, more pressure is applied on you, results are examined even more so and it's for others to gather up the momentum to make the gap smaller. If anything, it's even more important that we continue to do what we've done and concentrate on our own games and qualities.[LNB]
