Michael Shields' lawyer said he had new evidence

The legal team working for Michael Shields, 18, from Wavertree, Liverpool, put the appeal forward on Monday.

Shields was convicted in July of the attempted murder of a barman but has always protested his innocence.

Another man, Graham Sankey, has since signed a confession saying he carried out the attack on Martin Georgiev.

New evidence

Shields had travelled to the Black Sea resort of Varna after watching Liverpool win the European Champions League in Turkey.

He was arrested over an attack on Mr Georgiev in which he was hit with a paving stone.

His lawyer, Julian Linskill, said on Tuesday if Mr Sankey, also from Liverpool, was extradited or returned to Bulgaria voluntarily it would help his client.

However he added: "Other evidence is coming forward.

Mr Georgiev suffered head injuries

"People who were at the match and later in Bulgaria thought they needn't come forward because they knew the right man hadn't been arrested.

"Now they are facing the reality of the situation."

And he discounted Mr Georgiev's comments that Shields was the man who hit him over the head with a paving stone fracturing his skull with the possibility of brain damage.

Mr Linskill said: "He was hit over the head with a paving slab and knocked unconscious, how reliable can his evidence be?"

TV for match

Shields said he was asleep in bed at the time the attack was carried out.

His sister, Laura, said her brother was in good spirits and looking forward to Liverpool's Champions League match with Bulgarian side CSK Sofia on Wednesday.

"They are letting Michael have a TV in his cell for the match, and he is really looking forward to it.

"We are taking supplies over to him later this week and he has asked for a Liverpool tracksuit."

Travelling Liverpool fans are expected to display banners during the match proclaiming Shields' innocence.

Let's make it a carnival atmosphere and show the world what Liverpool supporters are really about Michael Shields senior

His father, also called Michael, appealed for Reds' fans to respect the CSKA Sofia fans and Bulgarian people.

Mr Shields said: "This match isn't about Michael Shields.

"Let's make it a carnival atmosphere in Sofia and show the whole world what Liverpool supporters are really about and when the Sofia fans travel to Anfield in a fortnight's time, let's prove that we really are the best and friendliest fans in football."

Members of the Shields family plan to meet Bulgarian fans before the second leg of the tie in Liverpool to extend the hand of friendship.