SCOTLAND footy star David Goodwillie has been charged with raping a young woman at a New Year house party.

The Dundee United striker, 21, was accused of attacking a 24-year-old after a night out in Armadale, West Lothian.

Goodwillie was charged by officers at Livingston police station and released to appear at the town’s sheriff court at a later date.

Last night a United spokesman said: “The club views this as a very unwelcome development.”

He added: “The fact is that David Goodwillie is presumed innocent and will remain so until proved otherwise.

“It’s important to stress he will continue to play for the club and receive our support until his status is proved otherwise.”

Goodwillie and his Tannadice teammate David Robertson, 24, were quizzed last week by detectives over the alleged “serious sexual assault” on January 2.

Robertson, from Livingston, has not been charged.

It is believed the footballers met the girl on a night out before going back to a house.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman confirmed a 21-year-old man has been charged “in connection with an alleged serious sexual assault on a 24-year-old woman”.

They added: “He has been released to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court at a later date.

“Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.”

The alleged incident happened just hours after both players featured in United’s 1-1 draw at Aberdeen, in which Goodwillie scored an injury-time equaliser.

Goodwillie — who made his international debut last year against the Faroe Islands — is one of Scotland’s hottest young strikers.

He scored the opener in last season’s Scottish Cup final victory for United and has been linked with moves to Rangers and Celtic.