Former Sheffield United striker Ched Evans has confirmed that "fresh evidence" has been collected to help his case against a rape conviction.

The 26-year-old was released from prison in October after serving half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman at a hotel in 2011.

Evans has maintained his innocence and last July launched an appeal to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, which has fast-tracked the footballer's case.

Today, a statement on Evans's official website read: "The application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission on behalf of Ched Evans was submitted on July 15, 2014 and was given Level 1 priority in September 2014.

"On Friday, January 23, 2015 further detailed submissions, supported by previously unavailable fresh evidence that we believe strengthens Ched's application, were lodged with the Commission."

Evans has struggled to find a new football club that will sign him up following his release from prison.