FORMER footballer Chris Casper, who is suing a fellow professional over a tackle which he claimed ended his career, was due to appear in court today.

Burnley-born Chris, who starred in the same Manchester United youth team as David Beckham and Paul Scholes, suffered multiple leg injuries while playing for Reading against Cardiff on Boxing Day, 1999.

Chris, son of former Clarets manager and striker Frank, suffered a broken fibula, tibia and cruciate and ankle ligament damage.

The 27-year-old defender has undergone a series of operations and doctors have inserted five metal screws into his left leg.

The former St Theodore's pupil is now bringing a private action against former Cardiff midfield player Richard Carpenter for loss of earnings. He will appear at Manchester's High Court for a hearing today.

Carpenter now plays for Brighton and Hove Albion, who were relegated from the Nationwide First Division last season.

Chris, who now lives on the outskirts of Bristol and is eligible for a pension from the Professional Footballers' Association, was part of a famous Manchester United youth team of the early 1990s.

He played for the Red Devils' alongside Beckham, Scholes, Nicky Butt and Gary Neville, but was never able to break through to join the first team regulars.