A young footballer faces a wait to find out if his multimillion-pound damages claim for a horrific tackle which prematurely ended his career is successful.
Ben Collett, 23, could have commanded a salary in excess of £16million if he
had played until the age of 35, Manchester High Court heard.
The promising footballer joined Manchester United's youth academy aged nine,
becoming part of the club's FA Youth Cup-winning team in 2003.
But aged 18 and in his first game in the reserves in May 2003, he had his right
leg broken in two places in a tackle by Middlesbrough's Gary Smith.
Both Smith and the club have admitted liability for the 'negligent' tackle.
Manchester United captain Gary Neville, 33, told the court he would have
expected Collett to become 'a top-level football player'.
Club manager Sir Alex Ferguson described Collett as 'A-class' with an
'outstanding chance' of becoming a full-time professional if he had not been
injured.
Collett was unable to forge a career in the professional game after the injury
and is now studying English.
The five-day hearing was to decide the level of damages Collett should receive
from Middlesbrough's insurers.
Mrs Justice Swift has reserved judgment in the case. She is expected to
announce her decision in the next month.
