Welcome to the family! Nolan gets a new house guest

Carroll must live with Kevin Nolan (GETTY IMAGES)

When Kevin Nolan was made Newcastle's club captain at the start of this season, it is unlikely he expected his duties to include housing his fellow players.

However, Andy Carroll was yesterday bailed to live with Nolan after the striker appeared in court charged with assaulting an ex-girlfriend.

Wearing jeans and a dark hooded top, Carroll left Tynedale Magistrates Court in Hexham, Northumberland, after being charged with assaulting Laurie Henderson, a former girlfriend, at her home in Ponteland, sometime after 4.30am on Sunday.

Following an hour-long hearing he was granted conditional bail to live with Nolan at his family home, also in Ponteland, a 15-minute walk from the complainant's address.

Magistrates agreed Carroll does not have to stay overnight at Nolan's home when Newcastle are playing.

The 21-year-old was told he must not contact any prosecution witnesses.

Carroll, who gave his address as the Jesmond Dene Hotel, Newcastle, will deny the offence and claims self-defence, the court heard.

The case was adjourned until 10 January.