Scotland international footballer Oliver McBurnie has pleaded not guilty to drink driving while behind the wheel of his sports car.

The Sheffield United striker accused of being one-and-a-half-times over the drink-drive limit when officers pulled over his Audi R8 last month.

The £20million club-record summer signing was breathalysed after being stopped by police on October 18 this year, a court heard.

READ MORE: Aberdeen centre half Scott McKenna recalled to Scotland squad for Euro 2020 double header

McBurnie, of Garforth near Leeds, allegedly recorded a reading of 53 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.

Wearing a black coat and tie, he spoke to confirm his name, date of birth, address, nationality and a not guilty plea during the 30-minute hearing.

Defence barrister Jeremy Rosenberg told a court McBurnie will be claiming he only had one drink at the time police stopped him.

He said: “Mr McBurnie explains that he could not have drunk so much alcohol that it would have caused the reading to have found him over the limit.”

McBurnie was granted unconditional bail and will appear for trial at Leeds Magistrates Court on March 16 next year, which is estimated to last for one day.

District judge Richard Kitson said: “I'm going to grant you unconditional bail to be here at 9.30am that morning for your trial to start promptly at 10am. It is likely to be in courtroom number 10.

“If you don't attend then the trial can still proceed in your absence. Please, bring your driving licence with you to court.”

READ MORE: Scotland fans blast Arsenal as Kieran Tierney left out squad for Cyprus/Kazakhstan double-header

 

McBurnie began his career with Bradford City and moved to Sheffield United from Swansea in August.

The player has won eight international caps for Scotland but pulled out of the squad to face Russia and San Marino in October through injury.

He has been included in the side to face Kazakhstan and Cyprus this month.