Northern Ireland football star David Healy has been accused of assault, it was revealed in court on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old striker, who scored 34 international goals, did not attend Laganside Magistrates’ Court for his first appearance this morning.
He is accused of assaulting James Geroid Crossan on May 26 last year.
Healy’s defence solicitor Richard McConkey requested a two week adjournment for the case.
Healy, from Castleview Terrace, Killyleagh in Co Down, currently plays for English first division side Bury.
In 2008, he was awarded an MBE for services to football and the community - the same year he scored 13 goals in the qualifying competition for the 2008 European Championship - the highest total in the competition’s history.
Healy, who came through Manchester United`s youth system, has also played for Leeds United, Fulham, Sunderland and Rangers.
District Judge Ken Nixon said the case would be listed again in two weeks time.