NEWCASTLE United have launched an internal investigation as Chris Hughton attempts to discover what happened in the build-up to Andy Carroll’s arrest for an alleged assault in the early hours of Monday morning. Carroll trained at the club’s Benton headquarters yesterday following a morning meeting with Hughton and the striker is due to travel with the rest of the squad today ahead of tomorrow’s Championship game at Coventry. Hughton refused to reveal what action will be taken against the player or give any indication as to what he has said to the England Under-21 international regarding the incident which occurred at the Blu Bambu nightclub in Newcastle’s Bigg Market. However, The Journal understands the striker was given a dressing down in private by the Newcastle boss, even though he will not decide what action to take until after the police determine whether to charge the 20-year-old with actual bodily harm. Hughton is also keen to have another frank discussion with Carroll as there is a growing concern within St James’ Park that the striker is in danger of jeopardising his career by becoming too caught up with the exciting distractions which come with being a young footballer born and raised in a football-mad city. “At this moment, we’re not prepared to make any comment on Andy,” said Hughton, who could do without this sort of distraction as Newcastle look to make it seven successive wins at Coventry. “He is available for selection. He has trained and trained very well. 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. I think the best way is always to deal with things in-house, always.” Carroll has been one of the big success stories of Newcastle’s season so far and the raw potential is there for him to have an excellent career at the top level. But as a local lad from Gateshead the bright lights of Newcastle’s notorious nightlife are alluring and Hughton has to nip any problems in the bud now – or both he and Carroll may to regret it. “We do talk about the distractions that are out there,” said Hughton, when asked about the potential pitfalls that await young players like Carroll and Nile Ranger back in October. “The most important thing after our games is recovery and doing things right off the pitch as well. | 
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