England and Newcastle United star Kieron Dyer ducked out of a court appearance yesterday - so he could play against Liverpool.

The 23-year-old midfielder was expected to appear before magistrates in Grantham, Lincs, to face trial on a speeding charge.

But his lawyer claimed he had no choice but to join his team-mates at Anfield for the Premiership showdown against the Reds.

Citing the Human Rights Act, Barry Warburton, defending, told the court: "Mr Dyer has a contractual obligation which he cannot avoid."

Mr Warburton said there was no way Dyer could attend the hearing and still make kick-off - even though the game didn't start until 8pm.

The case was later adjourned after prosecutors admitted that, with or without Dyer, they weren't actually ready to start the trial.

The player's non-appearance was the latest in a string of no-shows in the case, which has been rumbling on since early this year.

Dyer missed one hearing after requesting an adjournment because he was preparing to join England's World Cup squad in Korea.

Then he showed too much confidence in England's hopes by asking for the case to be postponed until after the final in Japan.

And after that he again failed to turn up, instead instructing his solicitors to indicate that he would be denying the charge.

He is alleged to have been speeding on a stretch of the A1 near Grantham when a 50mph limit was in place because of roadworks.

Magistrates conceded that Dyer would not be required to attend court for his day-long trial, which is now scheduled for December 9.