CLARKE Carlisle has been pictured smiling with his new baby daughter only months after suffering a setback in his battle with depression.

A photo released by BBC Radio 5 Live shows the former Burnley defender holding Beau Angel, who was born on Sunday evening weighing six pounds and 12 ounces.

"Our baby is amazing. We are utterly stunned by the whole experience," Carlisle's wife Carrie told BBC Radio 5 live Daily.

"We are massively thankful for the tireless efforts of the Lancashire NHS Trust who have been absolutely incredible to us this year."

Carlisle, who also played for Blackpool and Preston, was reported missing by Carrie in September as he struggled with a relapse of depression before returning to his family having been found wandering in Liverpool seeking a way to end his life.

The 38-year-old had spoken extensively of his struggle with mental health issues in 2014 having spent six weeks in a psychiatric unit after being hit by a lorry.