England and Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating has pleaded not guilty to possessing canisters of nitrous oxide.
The 20-year-old, from Manchester, was charged with possession of a class C drug on 18 June following an investigation by Greater Manchester Police.
She appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court alongside her mother, Nicola Keating, 48, who denied the same charge.
Both were granted unconditional bail ahead of a subsequent appearance at the same court on September 10.
Nitrous oxide was designated a class C substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act in November 2023.
Possession with the intent to wrongfully inhale it for a psychoactive effect became a crime, however it is still legal to use the gas for legitimate purposes, such as catering or pain management during delivery.
Jonathan Potter, the prosecutor, stated that the women were accused of possessing canisters for unlawful inhalation in Manchester in June.
Keating and her mother both responded “not guilty” when asked to indicate a plea.
They just spoke again to confirm their identities and addresses.
They were released on bail prior to the September hearing, at which a district judge would establish a trial date.
Keating, who was originally signed by Manchester United before being discovered by a City scout, became the youngest player to win the Women’s Super League Golden Glove award in May, after keeping nine clean sheets in 22 league games.
She has yet to play for England, but she was an unused replacement in the recent UEFA Women’s Championship Qualification matches against Sweden and the Republic of Ireland.