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Former Everton prospect Jose Baxter banned for 12 months for second failed drug test

Former Everton and Sheffield United midfielder Jose Baxter has been banned for 12 months after failing a drug test for a second time.

Baxter, 24, will miss the entire 2016/17 campaign after accepting the FA punishment for testing positive for a social drug, believed to be cocaine, last February.

It represents a sad fall from grace for Baxter who was tipped for a great future when he made his Everton debut in 2008 aged 16 years, 191 days. He remains the fifth-youngest player to have appeared in the Premier League.

Jose Baxter (left) has been suspended for 12 months after failing a second drug test
Jose Baxter (left) has been suspended for 12 months after failing a second drug test

It is FA policy not to announce or comment on cases where players have tested positive for social drugs out of competition in order not to distract from their rehabilitation.