Blackburn Rovers striker David Goodwillie appeared in court today over an allegation that he assaulted a man in a city centre street.

Goodwillie denies punching John Friel, 23, on the head and body on November 3 last year in Glasgow's Queen Street.

The 22-year-old Scotland international was at Glasgow Sheriff Court for a hearing before his trial, which is due to start on October 28.

He flew to Scotland from Alicante last night, where he played in Scotland's Euro 2012 qualifier defeat to Spain, scoring Scotland's only goal.

Dressed casually in blue trainers, jeans, white shirt and beige jumper, he spoke only to confirm his name to the court.

He submitted a not guilty plea to the charge by letter at a hearing in August.

Two men have already pleaded guilty to assault charges in relation to the same incident and are due to give evidence in the Goodwillie case.

Goodwillie, from Stirling, moved from Dundee United to Blackburn this summer for a fee of more than £2 million.

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