Ireland striker Stokes to stand trial accused of assaulting Elvis impersonator

Professional footballer Anthony Stokes will stand trial in May for an alleged assault at a Dublin nightclub.

The Republic of Ireland and Celtic striker is accused of injuring an Elvis impersonator following a row at Buck Whaley's nightclub just over a year ago.

Stokes appeared in court this morning less than 24 hours after taking part in Celtic's 1-0 defeat to Hamilton in the Scottish Premiership.

The 26-year-old striker is accused of assaulting an Elvis impersonator during a night out at the Leeson Street club on June 8 last year.

At a previous court appearance, it was alleged that Stokes headbutted the man following a row over a spilled drink.

His case was considered too serious to be dealt with at district court level and he was sent forward for trial before judge and jury at a higher court.

Today, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court pencilled in May 11 for a trial that is expected to take up to three days.

The Dublin-born footballer who now lives in Glasgow was remanded on continuing bail and excused from another court appearance later this week because of work commitments.