The Scottish international, 21, was arrested by police on suspicion on drink driving - along with Shrewsbury striker James Collins, a former Villa player - and subsequently bailed.

The accident occurred on the M1 at around 5:30am on Sunday near junction 26.

Villa have launched the investigation and Bannan did not train with his team-mates today.

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish said: "There are internal inquiries and an investigation going on and that's all I can really say at the moment.

"We felt it was best that he (Bannan) did not train with the team today."

Bannan is regarded as one of Villa's brightest prospects and has made an encouraging start to the current campaign. He has already won nine caps for his country.

Collins joined Shrewsbury from Villa during the January transfer window.

Police had already confirmed that two men had been bailed after being arrested in connection with the accident involving a Range Rover on the southbound carriageway.