THE father of Premiership footballer Jermaine Pennant is facing jail for dealing in heroin and crack cocaine.

Gary Pennant, 44, was bailed by Judge Jonathan Teare but was warned: "In all probability a custodial sentence is inevitable."

Pennant pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court yesterday to supplying the drugs from his home.

He dealt the drugs from his former address in Highurst Court, Radford. No further details were given about the offences during the five-minute hearing.

He was exposed in a tabloid newspaper investigation earlier this year.

After the allegations came to light, Nottingham City Homes took him to county court in July and successfully applied to have him evicted from his house.

There were also a number of anti-social behaviour allegations made against him.

After the eviction, an NCH spokesman said: "I hope it will create a better quality of life for the community in this area."

When the Evening Post visited the area, friends and neighbours spoke of their shock at the news.

Pennant's son, Jermaine, started his football career at Notts County, making his debut at 15.

His father is widely believed to have been influential in him becoming a footballer.

Jermaine moved to Arsenal and spent time on loan at a variety of clubs before signing for Liverpool in the summer of 2006.

His father will be sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on December 5.