FORMER Burnley footballer Clarke Carlisle has pleaded guilty to a drink-driving offence.

The 35-year-old, still bearing the facial scars from his December 22 suicide attempt in a crash which left him in a coma until mid-January, spoke clearly as he stood in the dock at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court in north London.

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The former Professional Footballers' Association chairman, who also played for Leeds United and Queens Park Rangers, admitted failing to provide a sample on December 20.

He also pleaded guilty to a charge of driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence on the same date, when police officers spotted a Mercedes travelling in an "erratic" manner, prosecutor Zahid Hussain said.

Deputy District Judge Margaret Dodds told Carlisle that he would "inevitably" be disqualified when he next appears at the same court for sentencing on May 14.

She also ordered that reports be made in the case after being told of Carlisle's medical situation.

He had been spotted by police "swerving" his Mercedes and nearly hitting a lorry on Pentonville Road, north London, on December 20 at about 7am.

Mr Hussain said the car was seen "swerving in the lane, to the pavement on the nearside, almost mounting the pavement" and that the tyres were "grinding on the curb".

When the officers stopped and spoke to Carlisle "alcohol was smelled on his breath", Mr Hussain added.