Former Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce and defender Sylvain Distin, now of Portsmouth, will today appear as witnesses when Joey Barton goes on trial for an alleged assault on former team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

Barton, 25, will appear at Manchester Crown Court charged with assaulting Dabo at City's training ground 13 months ago, says the Daily Mail.

Newcastle United midfielder Barton is currently serving a six-month sentence for common assault and affray following an incident in Liverpool in December.

This trial is expected to feature evidence from a host of current stars.