Former Saints striker Dexter Blackstock has been charged in relation to breaking the Football Association's betting rules.

Nottingham Forest man Blackstock, currently recovering from a serious knee injury sustained during a loan spell at Leeds in December, has been accused of multiple breaches of conduct and has six days in which to respond to the charge.

An FA statement on thefa.com said: ''Nottingham Forest's Dexter Blackstock has been charged with multiple breaches of FA Rule E8(b) for misconduct in relation to betting.

''Blackstock has until Monday 28 April 2014 to respond to the charge.''

Blackstock, who signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract at the City Ground last season, last played for Forest in October and later that month he was sent out on loan to Championship rivals Leeds.

After four appearances for the Yorkshire club, the 27-year-old suffered a season-ending knee injury in training ahead of Leeds' league game against Blackburn.

He is not expected to play again until next season, when Stuart Pearce will have begun his tenure as Forest manager.