Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard told a court yesterday that he was not guilty of assault charges in connection with a nightclub brawl.

The 28-year-old England midfielder appeared at a brief hearing at Southport magistrates' court, saying he intends to plead not guilty when the case goes to trial.

Other defendants

Dressed in a dark blue suit, Gerrard arrived and left in a chauffeur-driven car without speaking to reporters.

He and two other defendants were released on bail and ordered to return to crown court on March 20.

Gerrard was arrested early December 29 after a disturbance at the Lounge Bar nightclub in Southport, near Liverpool. He was charged with assault and affray.

Arrested

The bar's 34-year-old disc jockey, Marcus McGee, was hospitalised after losing a tooth and cutting his forehead.

A total of eight men have been arrested in the case.

Gerrard had gone to the bar with friends to celebrate after Liverpool's 5-1 win over Newcastle.

After yesterday's court appearance, he went straight to Liverpool's training to prepare for tomorrow's FA Cup fourth round game against Everton.

"I was watching him playing five-a-side and he scored two or three very good goals, so that's very positive," manager Rafa Benitez said. "He is OK. He has shown in the past few weeks what a fantastic professional he is and I think he will do the same now. He has our full support and he knows this."