Liverpool footballer Lloyd Jones, 21, allegedly repeatedly punched a man who was feeling unwell in a night club, a court has heard.

At Cheltenham Magistrates Court Jones, of Caradon close, Plymouth, who was on loan to Swindon Town at the time of the incident, did not indicate any pleas to the two assault charges he faced.

The clerk of the court told him he is accused of assaulting a man causing him actual bodily harm in Cheltenham on March 12 this year and on the same date is alleged to have also assaulted a woman by beating.

After hearing details of the case from prosecutor Peter Ashby the magistrates declined jurisdiction and bailed Jones to attend Gloucester crown court for a plea and case management hearing on Aug 24.

Jones had played for Swindon Town in their 3-2 defeat by Port Vale on the day of the alleged assaults.

A former England and Wales youth international, the 6ft 3” centre back is a Liverpool squad member but has played on loan for Swindon, Accrington Stanley, Cheltenham Town and Blackpool in recent years.

Mr Ashby told the court the alleged assaults happened in Moo Moo’s Club in Cheltenham between 2-3am on March 12.

Jones said he was not indicating pleas to the charges at this stage. He was granted unconditional bail pending his Aug 24th appearance at Gloucester crown court.