A BLACKBURN Rovers player was caught drink-driving hours after putting in a man-of-the-match performance, a court heard.

Blackpool magistrates were told Bryan Hodge, 19, had shone in midfield during his debut on loan for League Two outfit Mansfield in a 3-2 home triumph over Wycombe Wanderers.

But prosecutor Julie Reilly said hours after the game the Scottish under 19 international was picked up by police after driving his Vauxhall Astra through a red light and across tram tracks on Blackpool promenade.

Hodge, of Hamilton, Lanarkshire pleaded guilty to driving over the alcohol limit on February 24.

The court was told a breath test showed he was more than twice over the alcohol limit with 89 micrograms of alcohol in his body - the maximum is 35.

Ms Reilly added that Hodge had a previous drink-driving conviction in June 2005 and only got his licence back two months ago.

Defending Daniel King said his client had been on Rovers' books since 16 and after putting in impressive youth and reserve team performances was sent to Mansfield Town to get league experience.

He added: "It was announced that Hodge had won man of the match in his first ever league game.

"His parents had come to watch him and he gave the two bottles of wine he was awarded to his mother.

"What should have been a day of great pride turned into a day of great shame."

He added Hodge, on £900 a week, went to see a pal who plays for Rovers Reserves after the game and they had several beers together.

"Perhaps because of the adrenalin he made a massive mistake.

"He thought of the casino in Blackpool where he had been once or twice and decided to go there.

"He was not sure of the directions and got slightly lost."

Mr King said Hodge would be disciplined by Blackburn Rovers.

Hodge was sentenced to carry out 150 hours community work, banned from driving for three years and ordered to pay £65 costs.