A FORMER Wycombe Wanderers player has denied raping a 12-year-old girl.

Nathan Ashton, who made 11 appearances for the Blues in the 2008-09 season, pleaded not guilty to the charge during a short hearing at Aylesbury Crown Court this morning.

The alleged incident took place on April 2.

Ashton, of Southwold Drive, Barking, Essex, was granted conditional bail and is due back in court on November 1 for a trial.

The 23-year-old's bail conditions ban him from entering Buckinghamshire, and he has been electronically tagged.

Ashton, a former England youth international, had his two-year Wanderers contract terminated by mutual consent in 2009. He later joined AFC Wimbledon but is currently without a club.