A PROFESSIONAL footballer, who has admitted driving at 90mph on a motorway near Bradford, has been accused of another traffic offence, a court heard.

Former Premier League star Dean Whitehead, 33, was due to appear before Bradford and Keighley Magistrates Court today to argue that he should not be banned from driving because it would cause him exceptional hardship.

But Whitehead, a former Sunderland, Stoke City and Middlesbrough midfielder who now plays for Huddersfield Town, did not appear at court.

His solicitor, Saf Salam, told the Bench: "Regrettably, I was made aware by Mr Whitehead that there is a further traffic violation, which is before Manchester magistrates."

Mr Salam said the papers relating to the new case had not reached the Bradford court and asked for an adjournment for that to happen.

He added: "I know the police are quite keen on issuing the summons. I am led to believe it is on its way."

Whitehead, of High Legh, Knutsford, Cheshire, already has nine points on his driving licence and another three would automatically trigger a disqualification.

He had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to speeding on the M62 at junction 26 near Bradford, on February 3 this year.

The case was adjourned until October 19.