Hearts star Ian Black in court on cocaine charges

HEARTS star Ian Black today appeared in court accused of possessing cocaine at an Edinburgh nightclub.

The 26-year-old midfielder who was dressed in a grey suit, white shirt and thin black tie for his court appearance was said to have had the class A drug with him at Lava & Ignite in the city's Tollcross.

Black, who signed for Hearts in 2009 from Inverness Caledonian Thistle, was alleged to have contravened the Misues of Drugs Act 1971 on May 16 this year.

His defence lawyer Andy Houston asked for the case to be continued without plea to allow for further inquiry into the circumstances to take place. He requested that Black be ordained to appear.

Fiscal depute Katrine Craig said Black had no previous convictions and did not object to Mr Houston's motion.

In May Black, of Tranent, was arrested at Lava & Ignite along with 19-year-old Robert Ogleby - also a Hearts player. The pair were cautioned and charged with possession. Ogleby however, was not at court today.

Black made his debut for Hearts in August, 2009, against Dundee United. The former Blackburn Rovers youth player signed for Caledonian Thistle in 2004. He gained a three-year contract with Hearts in 2009.

Sheriff Neil MacKinnon continued the case without plea until next month.