SOLICITORS for Premiership footballer Shola Ameobi will try to have a driving case against him reopened.

At Gateshead Magistrates' Court on Friday, the 22-year-old Newcastle player was fined £1,000 in his absence and had six points added to his driving licence after he was found guilty of driving without insurance, failing to produce his driving licence and speeding on April 11.

After the case, Mr Ameobi's solicitor, Brian Hegarty, said: "I have been instructed by Mr Ameobi's agent that Mr Ameobi has only just been informed of Friday's court proceedings.

"His agent has confirmed that Mr Ameobi is fully insured and that he was fully insured for the vehicle he was driving on the day of the offence. We will be applying to the court to reopen the case."

Mr Ameobi's agent, Steven Denos, said: "We must stress that Shola was insured on April 11 and our solicitors have contacted the courts to look into reopening the case.

"We have not got to the reason why Shola was not notified to appear in court on Friday and we are looking into that.

"He is a very responsible driver and a responsible young man."