The case of Northern Ireland football star David Healy, who has been accused of assaulting a man in Belfast, has been adjourned for a fortnight.
Healy (aged 33) whose address was given as Castleview, Killyleagh in Co Down, did not appear in Laganside Magistrates’ Court, but was represented by his legal team.
He has been charged with assaulting James Crossan in Belfast city centre on May 26 last year.
Healy’s defence barrister Richard McConkey, instructed by Trevor Smyth, requested that the District Judge grant a two week adjournment for the case.
The prolific striker, who scored 34 goals during 94 international games, currently plays for English League One side Bury.
In 2008, he was awarded an MBE for services to football and the community.
During the European Championship qualifiers that same year he entered the record books after scoring 13 goals which was the highest total in the competition’s history.
One of the highlights of his sporting career came in 2005 when he scored a winner against Sven-Goran Eriksson’s England side in what was one of the most memorable victories at Belfast’s Windsor Park. He then followed it up with a hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Spain.
Healy, who came through Manchester United’s youth system, has also played for Leeds United, Fulham, Sunderland and Rangers.
More recently his career has waned and although he was signed by Bury last year, he had approached former club Preston, who declined to give him a contract.
District Judge Ken Nixon agreed that the case would be re-listed for February 27.