A man accused of gunning down gangland figure Kevin 'Gerbil' Carroll in a supermarket car park is to stand trial next year.

Ross Monaghan, 29, denies murdering Mr Carroll, 29, by shooting him, while masked and while acting with others, at the Asda store in Robroyston, in Glasgow on January 13 last year.

On Thursday, at the High Court in Glasgow, a trial date was set for March 5, 2012.

Defence QC Paul McBride told the court that there were ongoing discussions of "an extremely sensitive" nature regarding police intelligence. He also revealed that DNA reports and telephone analysis reports will be available within four weeks.

Mr McBride added that initially it was thought the trial would last six weeks, but it was now thought it will take three to four weeks.

Monaghan also faces further charges in relation to the incident while in the company of others. He is alleged to have attempted to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of a revolver, pistol and ammunition within undergrowth in Coatbridge and Airdrie.

It is also claimed a car, bearing false number plates, was set on fire. Monaghan is further accused of a number of firearms charges.

It is alleged he possessed a revolver and a self loading pistol without the required certificate and having the prohibited weapons without the authority of the Secretary of State or the Scottish ministers. He also faces similar allegations in relation to the possession of bullets.

Monaghan is accused of the reset of a car or an alternative accusation of travelling in the vehicle knowing it had been taken without consent. It is alleged these offences occurred while he was on bail from the sheriff courts in Glasgow, Lanark and Airdrie.

Monaghan, who denies all the charges, is on bail.