Clarke goes to a booze clinic

Sporting Chance was formed three years ago by Adams, himself a recovering alcoholic, to treat sports stars with addictive illnesses. Top players have been treated their, most notably the former Manchester United star Paul McGrath, for drink problems, and Paul Merson, currently at Walsall, for gambling.

QPR chief executive David Davies said: "Clarke has recognised he has a problem and we are determined to help a player who is going through a difficult time.

"The most important thing is that he is given the best possible opportunity to safeguard his health - and that opportunity is best served by spending time with Sporting Chance."

Carlisle, one of Rangers' most promising players, became better known last year when he won ITV quiz show "Britain's Brainiest Footballer".

It was a proud moment for him after spending weeks studying biology in preparation for the programme while he recovered from a knee injury that threatened to end his career. He beat 11 other current and former footballers to take the title. The former England Under-21 star was described by his former manager Gerry Francis as the next Sol Campbell, but was always aware of the uncertainties of football. "I want to play for as long as possible and though I could have continued my education after school, I can always go back to it," the Preston-born player once said.

After getting 10 O levels with 5 A grades, his headteacher tried to persuade to aim for a place at Oxford or Cambridge to study law. But Carlisle opted for football at the age of 16 with Blackpool.

While he was out injured he took the first year of a pure maths A-level course and plans to continue studying to degree level at night school.