FORMER Blackburn Rovers defender Gary Croft appeared before magistrates today charged with driving while banned and other motoring offences.

Croft, who joined Ipswich Town from Rovers earlier this month, was remanded on bail until November 12 by Ipswich magistrates charged with driving while disqualified, driving with no insurance and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Ipswich manager George Burley accompanied the full back to court and a condition of bail was that he should take custody of Croft's car.

Croft left Rovers for an initial £540,000 with the fee rising to £800,000 linked to appearances.

The player, who is single and had been staying in a hotel on the outskirts of Ipswich, scored his new club's winner in a 2-1 victory over Manchester City on Sunday.

He was due to play against one of his former clubs Grimsby Town tomorrow .

Croft was signed by Rovers for £1million from Grimsby who received a further payment when he completed 25 league starts for Rovers. He was remanded on bail until November 12.

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