A MAN is accused of raping a woman in a city centre lane.

Neil Gallagher, 37, allegedly carried out the attack in the New Wynd area of Glasgow near the Trongate last September 10.

The charge claims the woman was "intoxicated and incapable of giving or with-holding consent".

It is further claimed Gallagher - who also uses the name McMurtie - did grab her by the body, neck, head and hair.

He faces a separate charge that he acted in a threatening and abusive manner towards a man that day in the city's Glasgow Green.

Gallagher's lawyer Tony Lenehan pleaded not guilty on his behalf during a short hearing at the High Court in Glasgow today.

Gallagher, of the city's Scotstoun, had been excused attendance.

No trial was set, but the court heard it would last three days whenever it started.

A further hearing was instead fixed for November.