FORMER Scottish international footballer Frank McAvennie denied any involvement with a £110,000 drugs conspiracy yesterday.

Ex-Celtic and West Ham striker Frank McAvennie told a jury at Newcastle Crown Court, where he is on trial in a case involving an Ecstasy and amphetamines seizure, that he did not know what amphetamines were until the trial began.

McAvennie, 40, of Low Fell, Gateshead, said he knew nothing of a deal which his friend Michael Edward, 40, and another acquaintance are alleged to have struck in his company.

McAvennie denies conspiring to supply amphetamines and Ecstasy. He is standing trial with Arthur Burke, 46, from West Denton, Newcastle, who denies the same charges.

Richard Bloomfield, defending McAvennie, outlined his playing career to the court, saying it included spells at West Ham and Celtic, and seven international caps for Scotland, including two at the World Cup in Mexico in 1986.

McAvennie said he moved to Gateshead from London last year to be nearer to his four-year-old son, who lives in Glasgow with his estranged wife.

He did not live in Glasgow because he was recognised by too many people, both Celtic and Rangers supporters.

He lived in Gateshead with his girlfriend, Karen Lamberti, whom he planned to marry when his divorce was finalised.

At the time of his arrest in March, he had been taking his UEFA coaching badge and had been offered a coaching job by an African national side.

McAvennie said he heard nothing of a conversation between Mr Edward and his acquaintance which would indicate a drugs deal was going on.

The jury was told that when McAvennie was arrested he had a small amount of cocaine in his pocket.