FORMER Ipswich Town, Colchester United and England footballer Kevin Beattie has admitted falsely claiming benefits.

Beattie, 58, of Wren Avenue, Ipswich, won nine caps for his country in the Seventies and was part of Sir Bobby Robson's golden era at Ipswich Town.

He admitted falsely claiming almost £9,000 by failing to inform the Department of Work and Pensions that he had begun work as a pundit for BBC Radio Suffolk.

Ipswich Magistrates' Court today heard the FA Cup winner was living off extremely limited means and acting as a full time carer for his wife who suffered from multiple sclerosis.

He was ordered to stay in doors between 10pm and 6am for 12 weeks on a curfew order and pay £50 costs.

Lucy Osborn, mitigating, told the court Beattie had jumped at the opportunity in 2008 because he missed being involved in the game on a day to day basis.

She said: "Sadly his career was cut short in 1983 but at one point he was described as the greatest player to ever play for Ipswich.

"Football has been and remains the love of his life and he saw this as a wonderful opportunity.

"He saw the money as expenses for helping out."

She added the injury which caused his retirement still restricts his mobility and causes "great discomfort".

The court heard he was paid £45 for Saturday matches and £75 for weekday matches.

Claire Furlong, prosecuting, said his income support would have been stopped or reduced if he declared this income.

Beattie, originally from Carlisle, played 228 games for Ipswich and also had stints with Colchester United, making four appearances, and Middlesbrough.

He did not comment as he left court.