Celtic striker Anthony Stokes is being investigated over an alleged assault at a popular nightclub in Dublin.

An injured man was taken to hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning with a broken nose and teeth.

Stokes has not been officially named by police, who said only the incident involved a footballer who plays with a club in the UK and has also played at international level for the Republic of Ireland.

Gardai said the attack took place at Buck Whaley's on Leeson Street.

Officers were not called to the scene at the time of the alleged assault and the injured man only reported the incident yesterday afternoon after leaving hospital.

The alleged attack took place inside the nightclub, a Garda spokesman said.

It is understood the player was ejected from the club.

Gardai said the alleged victim walked into Pearse Street Garda station in Dublin city centre yesterday afternoon and made a complaint against the player.

Investigating officers have not yet spoken to the footballer.

"We have taken a comprehensive statement from the victim. It is alleged that it was an unprovoked attack," a Garda source said.

"We are treating this very seriously. No grass will be allowed to grow under this one."

It is understood the two men do not know each other.

Gardai are expected to examine CCTV from the nightclub and take statements from witnesses and staff as part of the investigation.