A former professional footballer has admitted sexually assaulting a young woman as she slept.

Ex-Celtic and Hibs player Chris Killen, 35, confessed shortly before he was to face a jury trial at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester on Wednesday.

He pled guilty to a single charge of sexual assault at a house in Bury, Greater Manchester, in September 2016.

Lisa Judge, defending, said the guilty plea had been made on a "specific basis" as to what Killen had admitted doing, and this had been accepted by the prosecution.

The basis of the plea was not given in court and no further details about the assault were made public.

Gary Woodall, prosecuting, said Killen's basis of plea was "inconsistent" with the complainant's statement to police.

But after "lengthy discussion" Mr Woodall said the complainant had "taken the lead" and there would now not be a trial given Killen's admission of guilt.

Judge Maurice Greene adjourned for the preparation of pre-sentence and psychiatric reports.

He granted Killen bail but added: "At the end of the day this was a sexual assault on a sleeping young woman. It's a serious matter.

"All sentencing options will remain open to the court."

New Zealand-born Killen represented his country in the 2010 World Cup after playing for Middlesbrough and Celtic and starting his career with Man City as a trainee.

His playing career also included stints at Manchester City, Norwich, Oldham Athletic, Port Vale and Wrexham.

He will be sentenced on August 1.