Stoke City defender Ryan Shotton is in trouble with the law.

The Daily Mail reports Shotton has been charged with assault after an alleged nightclub brawl that left a man needing stitches in his head.

Shotton, 23, the Potters' young player of the year last season, is alleged to have thrown a punch in a fight outside the Pink nightclub in Hanley, Staffordshire.

He is due to appear in court on Friday.