Capello warns Carroll over drinking

England manager Fabio Capello has warned Liverpool striker Andy Carroll to watch his drinking.

The Italian boss said he was wary of any potential mishaps Carroll, an England squad member, might have while socialising, and the impact that would have on the former Newcastle striker’s perception in the public as a national representative.

“He needs to be careful at every moment because when you play with the England national team you are the focus of the fans, the newspapers, the photographers, the people that live around him,” Capello said ahead of his side’s friendly with Ghana on Tuesday.

The England boss said he told Carroll he could continue to drink in social situations, but to significantly decrease his intake or risk his national team spot.

“Not only Andy likes to drink beer. He needs to improve, to drink less. I spoke with him, in private. He’s young – his behaviour is important,” Capello said.

Carroll, 22, was involved in several incidents at former club Newcastle and was arrested on two occasions, in September 2008 and December 2009. The latter stemmed from an assault charge, with Carroll granted bail under the conditions that he live with then-captain Kevin Nolan until his case was heard.

Carroll made his international debut in November against France, and is in line to start for Capello’s side when they face Ghana at Wembley.