Carroll will not be in lineup versus Sunderland

Andy Carroll will miss out on a place in the Newcastle squad for the derby clash at Sunderland on Sunday as he continues to battle a thigh injury.

Carroll, who has not played for the club in 2011, was sent away to Dubai in a bid to restore his fitness, but Alan Pardew has now said he is not fit enough to feature.

"Andy won't play," he said. "He's not even close really. We just have to patch him up and repair him as best we can over the next couple of weeks, and hopefully he will be available then.

"His injury was a little bit worse than we originally thought. It's a thigh injury, a kicking muscle, and you can't chance that being torn.

Carroll send on holiday

Newcastle United have handed star striker Andy Carroll a much-needed rest, sending him to Dubai for a week to rest a nagging thigh injury, with manager Alan Pardew hoping the break will "refresh his batteries".

GettyImagesAndy Carroll will miss Newcastle's FA CUp third round trip to Stevenage

The England striker aggravated the injury following Newcastle's defeat at Tottenham on December 28 and now faces a race to be fit for the Tyne-Wear derby at Sunderland on Sunday week. Pardew, who believes Carroll has a 50-50 chance of being available for the trip to the Stadium of Light, feels the decision to give the 21-year-old a week in the sun will benefit the club's top scorer in the long run. "I've sent Andy away, Pardew told the Guardian. "He's had a tough season so I've told him to get some sun. It's a total rest for Andy. He's a super player, I love him to bits and I just want to make sure he comes back refreshed.

"The injury might be a blessing in disguise the break might be a good thing for Andy, it might refresh his batteries. If you get the opportunity to give players a break you have to, for sure. I think this is an opportunity for Andy."

Keane on his way out, Carroll will not be coming in

Sky Sports News revealed earlier on Wednesday that Birmingham were close to agreeing a £7million fee with Spurs for the Republic of Ireland striker.

Redknapp has now confirmed an accord has been reached between the two clubs and admits it is up to the Keane whether he leaves or stays to fight for his place.

The Spurs boss told Sky Sports News: "I think Birmingham have made an offer for Robbie - I'm not sure, around about £7million or whatever for him - and it's up to Robbie really.

"If it's a move he fancies, we wouldn't stand in his way.

"But he's only going to go permanently - he's not going to go on loan anywhere, we're not going to loan him out again, he'd been on loan last year at Celtic.

Carroll set to stay with Newcastle

By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent

Andy Carroll has pledged his future to Newcastle United amid speculation he will move on in the January transfer window.

Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham have all been linked with a move for Carroll, who made his England debut against France last month, and he is known to have been close to Chris Hughton. However, a source close to the player told ESPNsoccernet moments after the appointment of Alan Pardew that Carroll wants to stay at St James's Park.

"Andy is not going anywhere, especially in the January transfer window, for a number of reasons," the source said. "He loves Newcastle, he loves the fans, he loves the ground. He is a Geordie who loves the club and who sees his entire career playing for Newcastle.

Andy Carroll accused of assault.

NEWCASTLE, England (AP)—Newcastle forward Andy Carroll has been ordered by a court to stay at the family home of club captain Kevin Nolan until January after being charged with assaulting a former girlfriend.

Andy Carroll not guaranteed spot in starting 11

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has backed his decision to drop striker Andy Carroll and claims he has no guarantees of being in the starting XI.