The 33-year-old  is accused of committing the offence in his BMW X5 in Netherton Way, Bootle, on November 14 last year.

A BBC News Channel report said the striker was not at South Sefton Magistrates' Court in Bootle, Merseyside, for the hearing and his plea was entered through his solicitor Richard Green.

The case was adjourned until a trial on March 20.The former Liverpool and Leeds United forward  is expected to attend the next hearing.

Mr Green told the court: "He is actually abroad at this time. I now enter a not guilty plea on his part."

If convicted the striker could be fined £60 or given three penalty points on his driving licence.