Everton legend and current coach Duncan Ferguson has been declared bankrupt in the High Court in London.

The former Scotland forward, 44, was on the bench as the Blues were beaten by Manchester City in the second leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

But just hours earlier it emerged that a bankruptcy petition had been brought against him by HM Revenue and Customs on December 1. The order date was then confirmed as January 15.

Everton legend and current coach Duncan Ferguson has been declared bankrupt in the High Court in London

The decision by HMRC to issue a bankruptcy petition could meanFerguson owes money in unpaid tax. It is possible for the government agency to seize assets in light of the confirmation of the bankruptcy.

Ferguson, of Formby, Liverpool, is idolised by the blue half of Merseyside and is enjoying a fourth spell at the club as a first-team coach alongside Roberto Martinez.

Speaking to Sportsmail in December, he described the club as 'my family and my life'.

He had his testimonial at Goodison Park in August and limited edition shirts signed by Wayne Rooney and the man himself, as well as a medal featuring the design of Ferguson's Everton tattoo which sits on his arm, are being sold with proceeds for charity.

During his years at the top of the British game, Ferguson earned at least £30,000-a-week.

Ferguson has previously had four convictions for assault, the last of which being an on-field headbutt on Raith Rovers defender John McStay in 1994 while playing for Rangers.

Ferguson poses with a fan for a selfie before Everton's defeat by Manchester City on Wednesday

The striker, who has also operated for Dundee United and Newcastle, received a three-month prison sentence as it was his fourth offence, despite only being booked by referee Kenny Clark during the game.

It affected his international career and he only played seven times for Scotland.

He said previously: 'I have spent an entire career trying to shake off a ­reputation I earned in one day.'

Both Everton and Ferguson did not comment on the bankruptcy case on Wednesday night.