Bentley, who has been out of favour at White Hart Lane, was involved in a collision with a lamp-post in the early hours of this morning, Hertfordshire police have confirmed.

A police spokeswoman said: "He has been charged with a drink driving offence and has been released on bail to return to St Albans Magistrates' Court on August 28.

"The charge is in connection with an incident which happened last night.

"A member of the public called just after 3am to report a single vehicle road traffic collision in Judges Hill, Northaw.

"A man was arrested at the scene and taken to Hatfield Police Station.

"This morning David Bentley, 24, has been charged with an offence to appear in a few weeks."

Bentley released a statement apologising for his actions but is still likely to be fined by Spurs.

The incident comes three months after Ledley King was arrested outside a nightclub, leading to boss Harry Redknapp public warning his players about drinking.

Bentley has been behind Aaron Lennon in Redknapp's pecking order after a frustrating debut season following his move from Blackburn.

He describes the incident as a "wake-up call".

His statement read: "I should like to apologise to my club and the supporters for my actions which led to my car accident last night and my subsequent charge.

"It was wholly unacceptable and I fully appreciate that as a professional footballer I have a duty to behave in a reputable and responsible manner.

"I am thankful that nobody was injured in the accident. This has been a wake-up call for me both personally and professionally."

Meanwhile, Portsmouth left-back Nadir Belhadj would welcome the opportunity to link up with Redknapp again.

He told The Portsmouth News: "All I know is that Redknapp was behind me coming to Portsmouth and that he has confidence in my qualities.

"I couldn't refuse an offer from Tottenham, especially if it's coming from Redknapp."

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe is suing the police after his "wrongful" arrest on suspicion of driving while disqualified, his lawyer said today.

The England international was held for several hours at a police station in Harlow, Essex, at the end of last month.

Essex Police said they have already apologised for their mistake, which was due to a computer inputting error.

The striker, who scored twice for England against Holland last night, said he will donate any damages awarded to charity.

His solicitor, Nick Freeman, said: "The claim arises out of Mr Defoe's wrongful arrest for driving whilst disqualified last month.

"At the time the police were advised by Mr Defoe, and on no less than five occasions by my office, that Mr Defoe was not disqualified and that his detention was unlawful.

"Notwithstanding this, he remained incarcerated in a police cell for approximately five hours until Chelmsford Magistrates' Court confirmed our assertion that he was not disqualified.

"The problem arose as the consequence of an inputting error by Essex Police, which they have admitted and apologised for.

"This was compounded by their failure to accept our protestations that he was not disqualified.

"The police should have bailed Mr Defoe when they were put on notice of their error to enable them to pursue their inquiries.

"Instead, in addition to being locked in a cell, the police were unable to recall where his car had been impounded and were not prepared to return his car keys (which also contained house keys) until he produced documentation to his vehicle.

"This claim is about principle and not about money. Any damages my client is awarded will be donated to charity."

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We've formally apologised, acknowledging our mistake, which was due to an inputting error.

"An internal investigation is under way to determine why this error occurred and to ensure that a similar mistake is not repeated in the future."

Asked about the force being sued for damages, he said: "Essex Police is conducting an internal investigation and liaising with Mr Defoe's legal team to ascertain the details of the claim.

"It would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time."

Defoe, 26, was convicted of speeding earlier in July by a district judge sitting in Chelmsford, Essex.

He was disqualified from driving but the disqualification was suspended pending an appeal - Defoe denied any offence.