28 October 2011 Last updated at 06:35 ET

David Goodwillie assault trial adjourned to next year

David Goodwillie denied a charge of assault at Glasgow Sheriff Court

Scotland and Blackburn striker David Goodwillie has had his assault trial adjourned until next year.

The 22-year-old is alleged to have attacked John Friel in Queen Street, Glasgow, on 3 November last year.

He is accused of repeatedly punching Mr Friel on the head and body and kicking him on the body to his injury.

Former Dundee United player Goodwillie, from Stirling, denied the charges. His trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court was adjourned to allow for more inquiries.

The footballer was due to stand trial on Friday but defence lawyer Liam O'Donnell made a motion to adjourn.

Separate case

At the last hearing, Mr O'Donnell requested information about a separate court case regarding Mr Friel.

It was previously reported that Mr Friel and his co-accused Matthew Flynn admitted assaulting two Dundee United players during the same incident.

Mr Friel was ordered to serve 240 hours community service and Mr Flynn, 190 hours.

The court heard on Friday that all information from the Crown in relation to this matter was provided but that more time was required for the defence to "take further steps" after inquiries were frustrated by a "lack of co-operation".

Sheriff Linda Ruxton granted the adjournment and a new trial date was set for January, next year.

Competitive debut

Goodwilllie made his competitive debut in December 2005 with Dundee United, appearing as a late substitute in the defeat over Rangers at Ibrox.

He has represented Scotland at all international youth levels since appearing in 2005 and received his first call-up for the senior team in November last year.

The striker signed a four-year deal in August with Blackburn Rovers and scored his first goal for the team against Kilmarnock.

He scored a penalty kick in the 66th minute against Spain in Jose Rico Perez stadium on October 11, hours before travelling back to make his first court appearance in relation to this case.