London: Sheffield United and Wales striker Ched Evans has been jailed for five years for raping a 19-year-old who was "too drunk to consent" to sex.

Evans, a former Manchester City striker, was found guilty of raping the teenager at a hotel following a night out in Rhyl, north Wales, last May.

The 23-year-old, who has scored 35 goals this season for the League One club, is now considering an appeal against the jury's verdict Friday at Caernarfon Crown Court where his co-defendant, Port Vale defender Clayton McDonald, was found not guilty of the same charge.

Both Evans and McDonald admitted to having sex with the woman, but the prosecution said she was too drunk to consent to sexual intercourse. In her evidence, the woman said she has no memory of the incident.

"Mr. Evans firmly maintains his innocence in this matter and is being advised regarding an appeal of the decision," Evans lawyers was quoted as saying by ESPN Soccernet.

The Football Association of Wales said it "recognised the seriousness of the situation". (IANS)