ENGLAND football ace Jonathan Woodgate has been cleared of an alleged attack on a drinker in his favourite pub.

The £9m Newcastle United defender was said to have punched teenager Anthony Strange after the staunch Middlesbrough fan joked with the star: "You should have signed for the Boro - they're a better team."

Student Mr Strange, 18, said he had been enjoying a drinking afternoon at the Dickens Inn, Southfield Road, Middlesbrough, when the attack took place.

But yesterday Woodgate - who strenuously denied the allegation - learned he would not face further action.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "A file was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration and it has been returned with no further action.

"We have no further comment to make and as far as our inquiries are concerned, the matter is now closed."

At the time of the alleged assault, when the victim claimed he was punched once in the face by Woodgate, the soccer star said: "I'm perfectly happy to co-operate with the police in any way they wish. I've nothing to hide. I've done nothing wrong."

Mr Strange alleged he "wound up" Woodgate when the two bumped into each other in the toilets of the Dickens Inn, a favourite haunt of the rising England star, at about 4pm one afternoon in April.

He told police he had made a few "daft" comments to Woodgate about his much-publicised move from Leeds to Newcastle United earlier this year.

Mr Strange, who was drinking with a friend, stayed in the pub until later that night when he said he became concerned about the injury to the right side of his face.

He went to Middlesbrough General Hospital for treatment but was found to have bruising but no broken bones. He then reported the alleged attack to police.

A spokesman for Wood-gate's management company, SFX, said at the time: "The story has no foundation whatsoever.

"There are people who continue to make mischief for Jonathan, but all he is concerned about is making a substantial contribution to the success of his career at Newcastle United."

Woodgate's career has been dogged by controversy since he was charged with a street attack on an Asian student in Leeds city centre in January 2000.

Sarfraz Najeib suffered injuries including a broken leg, and Woodgate and his team-mate, Lee Bowyer, were charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray.

In December 2001, Wood-gate, 23, who denied the charges, was cleared of the GBH charge but convicted of affray.

He was ordered to carry out 100 hours' community service, mainly sweeping parks and painting fences at public buildings in Middlesbrough.

He then set about putting his career back on track.

But his plans went awry in April last year when he was hospitalised for days with a fractured cheekbone - caused after a punch-up with a pal, described as "horseplay", outside the Dickens Inn.