The player stayed at the hotel with team-mates

Russell Osman said Bristol Rovers striker Junior Agogo had been on his best behaviour on the night in question as his new manager was with the team.

Mr Osman was a character witness at a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

Mr Agogo, 25, of St David's Mews, Bristol, denies attempting to rape a waitress, 16, in a Doncaster hotel.

I know a lot of people in Bristol and I've never heard of anyone to have a problem with Junior Russell Osman

Mr Agogo had been staying with his team at the hotel before a match in May 2004.

Mr Osman, who was capped 11 times for England, was caretaker manager of Bristol Rovers at the time.

Asked how he found Mr Agogo he said: "He worked very diligently at the football club.

"He looked after his fitness meticulously - his attitude to the game was exemplary. He always gave 100%.

"In training he was an example to other players."

'Dragged into bathroom'

He had always found Agogo a pleasure to be with, he added.

"I know a lot of people in the city and I've never heard of anyone to have a problem with Junior."

Earlier, the teenager had told the court Mr Agogo had dragged her into his bathroom and pulled at her clothing before trying to rape her.

A forensic expert told the court on Thursday that it was "difficult to understand" how her pants could have been ripped without her tights, which were on top, being damaged.

But, under cross examination, the expert agreed it was not impossible.