Former England Under-21 international and Premiership star Gary Croft wore the tag when he turned out for Ipswich Town as a second-half substitute against Swindon Town in 2000.

He he had to wear it so the authortities could track his movements after serving about four weeks of a four-month jail-sentence for driving while disqualified and perverting the course of justice.

Croft, who is now 34 and lives in Burton-on-Trent, was released by Coca Cola League Two side Lincoln City in May.

He sent his CV to Watnall Road and Town manager Mick Galloway held tentative talks with him.

But the left-back has now told Galloway that he is to move to the USA to play in the National Soccer League, an indoor competition due to start this summer.

Town's commercial manager Simon Matters explained: "They had a good, positive chat and if Gary decides to come back to England, Mick may speak to him again."

Croft made his debut for England Under-21s, alongside David Beckham, against Brazil in June 1995. He made four appearances in total.

He started his career at Grimsby Town in 1992 and made 172 appearances before moving to Premiership side Blackburn Rovers for £1.6million in 1996.

Although he was never a regular starter for Rovers, Croft made 52 appearances and scored one goal before he signed for Ipswich in 1999.

He helped Ipswich win promotion to the Premiership in 2000 and played in George Burley's side as the Tractor Boys took the division by storm to finish fifth and gain a UEFA Cup slot.

Loan spells at Wigan Athletic and Cardiff City followed before The Bluebirds snapped him up on a permanent deal.

Croft left Ninian Park in 2005 and rejoined his first club, Grimsby, in July of that year. He made a further 61 appearances for The Mariners over the next two seasons before being released when new manager Alan Buckley took over in 2007.

After a trial with Burton Albion, Croft opted to sign for Lincoln but injury problems meant he could only make 22 appearances before his release.

TOWN have also revealed that Galloway rejected the chance to sign former Mansfield Town midfielder Dan Martin.

Martin (22) approached Galloway about a possible move. But The Yellows' boss declined the offer after speaking to Stags boss Paul Holland. Martin has now signed for Town's Blue Square North rivals, Tamworth.