Footballer Garry O'Connor denies possessing cocaine
Hibs footballer Garry O'Connor has pled not guilty to a charge of possessing drugs.
The 28-year-old, who lives in East Lothian, denied trying to evade police in central Edinburgh in the early hours of Saturday 14 May.
It is alleged Lothian and Borders Police officers found the striker carrying the class A drug cocaine.
The Scotland player's trial is due to take place at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in February next year.
O'Connor was absent when his case was called in court and his agent was also not present.
However a letter submitted to the court said he pled not guilty.
O'Connor is set to play against St Johnstone later at Easter Road in Edinburgh.
The striker, who earned his first Scotland cap at the age of 18, is alleged to have obstructed, resisted, molested and hindered Lothian and Borders Police constables Kathy Eager and Andrew Morrow who were on duty.
He is said to have run away from them while they were attempting to establish his details.
The offence is alleged to have happened in Hope Street Lane, Edinburgh.
O'Connor is further accused of possessing cocaine at Hope Street Lane, Rose Street Lane North and St Leonards Police Station, all Edinburgh, on the same day.
He was charged shortly after rejoining Hibs.
The player previously spent six years at Easter Road before completing a £1.6m transfer to Russian team Lokomotiv Moscow.
He then went to Birmingham City as well as Barnsley before moving back up north. He has also trained with Celtic in the hope of landing a deal.
Sheriff Isabella McColl set an intermediate diet for January.