Footballers in court over thefts

Nathan Dyer and Bradley Wright-Phillips were charged in June

Two Championship footballers charged with burglary in connection with the theft of items from a Portsmouth nightclub have appeared in court.

Southampton striker Bradley Wright-Phillips, 23, pleaded not guilty when he appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court.

The case of winger Nathan Dyer, 20, was adjourned to 25 July.

They were arrested in March over claims that items were taken from Bar Bluu nightclub, Southsea, on 28 February.

Mr Wright-Phillips, of Briton Street, Southampton, is the son of former Arsenal and England player Ian Wright and the half-brother of Chelsea and England player Shaun Wright-Phillips.

During the hearing, he elected for his case to be heard at Portsmouth Crown Court and his case was adjourned until 2 September for a committal hearing before Portsmouth magistrates.

Mr Dyer, also of Briton Street, was a member of Southampton's youth team before playing for the Championship club.

Staff at the nightclub claim items including three mobile phones and £145 in cash went missing from three handbags, the court heard.

Police launched an investigation when a group of men were filmed on CCTV entering an unlocked staff room.