Carroll treated for 'stress' - Father

West Ham goalkeeper Roy Carroll is suffering from "stress" but does not have a gambling or drink problem, his father has insisted.

The 29-year-old Northern Ireland international was reported to have been to a London clinic for treatment for betting and alcohol addiction. Bob Carroll told the Belfast Telegraph: "I think his problems have been exaggerated. As far as I know he had a stress problem and that's all this is about. I can't believe it's anything else.

"It has nothing to do with drink and gambling. He's now out and trying to get on with his life. It has nothing to do with anyone else. He's trying to get this sorted out. I am sure if he was in that much trouble we would know about it. He would have told me. When you read things like that in the paper it distresses everyone, especially his family."

Carroll moved to West Ham on a free transfer from Manchester United but in recent weeks has lost his place to Robert Green.

His father added: "It's not true what they're saying. There's no drinking problem. As far as I'm concerned he might have a wee drink and a wee bet like everyone else.

"I would ask for privacy so Roy can get on with his life. People should look at their own lives before they look at someone else's and they might find they have a few faults."