A FOOTBALLER has appeared in court accused of trying to kill a teenager who was found unconscious in her Walthamstow home.

Kara Hoyte suffered severe head injuries during the attack at the ground-floor flat in Green Pond Close in February last year.

The 19-year-old continues to recover but suffers from aphasia, a language disorder caused by brain injuries.

Mario Celaire, who is a defender for non-league Maidstone United, did not enter a plea when he appeared at the Old Bailey.

The trial will begin on January 5 next year and Celaire, who changed his name by deed poll to McNish in 2006, was remanded in custody.