His career started so promisingly with a stunning goal against then title rivals Newcastle in 1994, yet ex-Manchester United footballer has today been declared bankrupt in a startling piece of news considering the modern day footballer’s typical wealth.

The former Northern Ireland international player, 35, was served with a creditor’s petition and listed in an official receiver bankruptcy notice published today.

Gillespie was part of the ‘golden generation’ of young players at United including Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and Paul Scholes, who won the Youth Cup in 1992 and he made his debut for the full side when he was 18 years old.

He played last season with Glentoran in the Irish Premiership and is one of Northern Ireland’s most capped players with 86 appearances since his 1994 debut.

An order was made against the player following a petition by HM Revenue and Customs lodged at Belfast High Court. A Revenue and Customs spokesman confirmed it had taken action against Gillespie, who has an address in Bangor, Co Down, over a tax bill.

He refused to say how much the service was owed.

It also confirmed that the Official Receiver has been appointed manager of the his estate.