Blackburn Rovers legend Colin Hendry is facing financial ruin, it is reported.

The Daily Mail says Hendry faces financial ruin over massive internet gambling debts, it emerged on Thursday.

The former international footballer and ex-Blackburn player is to suffer fresh anguish after the death of his wife from complications caused by botched plastic surgery.

Spreadex, an online sports betting firm, has filed a bankruptcy petition against the former Scotland World Cup captain at Blackpool County Court. He is understood to owe the company £35,000.

Yesterday the extent of Hendry's financial freefall was revealed - as he was forced to accept an undisclosed bid for his £1.7million Georgian home on the seafront at Lytham St Annes, Lancashire.

It is understood there is an outstanding re-mortgage debt of nearly £1million on the house, which he bought outright for £750,000 in 2001.

Hendry's legal advisers hinted the taxman was 'circling' for an Inland Revenue bill which friends estimate may be as high as £800,000.