Hearts midfielder Black denies cocaine possession

HEARTS midfielder, Ian Black, has pled not guilty to a charge of being in possession of cocaine at a city nightclub.

The 26-year old was not present at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today when his defence agent, Andrew Houston, tendered the plea on his behalf.

It is alleged that the player was found with the Class A drug at the Lava & Ignite nightclub in the city's Tollcross on May 16 this year.

Black, from Tranent, signed a three-year contract with the Tynecastle club in 2009 from Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Trial has been fixed for October 18.