Wanderers have released Stig Tofting from his contract to allow the midfielder to return home to Denmark.

The 33-year-old is due in court next month to appeal against a four month prison term handed to him in October for assault.

His contract was due to expire in the summer but Wanderers have allowed him to go early so that he has time to spend with his wife, who has just given birth to a baby boy.

Tofting has not featured for Wanderers since mid-January, and while the club would listen to offers for him he is likely to rejoin Aarhus, the club near to his Danish home.

Despite his lack of first-team action the player has thanked Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce for being allowed to spend time with his family before his court appearance.

He said: "I feel it was generous of the manager to let me go home.

"He felt I should go back to clear up things to be prepared for the court case and any eventual punishment, so I can move on with my life, both privately and football wise.

"I am quite pleased with the solution."

"Had I played regularly, I would probably have been disappointed to be released, but when I have had some chances, we have lost those matches."

Tofting - who has 41 international caps - has made just eight Premiership starts since signing for Wanderers last February, but is determined that a possible prison sentence will not be the end of his playing days.

He said: "In case I am convicted I hope the prison will give me the chance to serve the sentence immediately because I would also like to get on with my football career."