EX-SAINT Claus Lundekvam, who is accused of assaulting a woman, is seeking help for his problems, a court heard today.

The ex-Norwegian international, who made 450 appearances for Southampton in 12 years at the club, was detained at his home in Chilworth, in connection with the allegation of common assault.

He did not appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court because he is in Norway with family, but will return next week.

His solicitor Cliff Morris told the court Lundekvam was going ''to a facility'' on his return ''because of the issues he has''.

The case was adjourned until June 2 and Lundekvam's bail was extended.

In May last year, Lundekvam, 37, who retired two years ago, was banned from driving after crashing his Audi Quattro Q7 into the back of a van on the M3 near Winchester while two-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit.

He was also ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work as part of a 12-month community sentence for the offence, which occurred after a charity golf event.