A Wangaratta teen accused of stabbing a man while “black out drunk” is set to front a half day contested committal hearing in February.

The 18-year-old appeared at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where it was heard he was “progressing well” with his alcohol and behaviour change programs since being bailed in May.

He is charged with stabbing a 37-year-old local with a knife on the night of 25 April this year.

Defence counsel Geoff Clancy said a contested committal hearing was sought when the police informant and the victim would be called as witnesses.

The 37-year-old was allegedly paralysed after the court heard in April the alleged stabbing caused a laceration on his arm, left a puncture wound to the spine and partially tore a spinal cord.

Mr Clancy, said he heard the victim’s health was improving.

The 37-year-old was ordered to give a compulsory statement in court in October after refusing to give a statement to police.

After six days in custody following the alleged incident, the 18-year-old was allowed bail on strict conditions, with some of those conditions removed due to progress in his rehabilitation programs.

A curfew, a ban from licenced premises and engagement with drug and alcohol counselling remained.

The contested committal hearing will be heard on 11 February.