Prem ace’s M1 drink rap

Trouble ... Aston Villa star Barry Brannan

TWO footballers were arrested on suspicion of drink driving yesterday after the car they were in slammed into the central reservation of a motorway.

Aston Villa ace Barry Bannan, 21, and Shrewsbury Town striker James Collins, 20, were picked up by police as they walked through nearby Bulwell, Notts, after the 5.30am smash.

Police closed part of the M1 after the black Range Rover careered off the road.

A source in the town said: "Police breathalysed both men before they got into the back of the squad cars."

Scottish international Bannan spent nine hours at Nottingham's Bridewell police station where he was quizzed by officers following the smash in a black Range Rover near junction 26. He left at around 5pm yesterday.

Last night police said: "Two men were arrested shortly after 7am on suspicion of drink driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

"No other vehicles were involved and there were no reported injuries. Both have been bailed pending further inquiries and will return at a date in December."

Midfielder Bannan has played 20 times for Villa — including Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to West Brom — and has nine caps.