Injury ends Sadlier's career

Republic of Ireland striker Richard Sadlier has been forced to retire from football at the age of 24 by a hip injury which has plagued him for the last 18 months.

The Millwall player finally called time this week after his third comeback ended in another breakdown.

Sadlier has been through two operations to try and rectify the problem, but still finds playing football too painful.

He told the official club website, www.millwallfc.co.uk: “I just reached the decision that the longer I tried to play, not only was I doing more damage to myself, but the strain was becoming too much – building myself up for each comeback and then being bitterly disappointed when it didn’t work out.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a while, but not seriously until about a month ago. I spoke to the medical people and it just makes sense for me to stop now.”

Lions boss Mark McGhee insists Sadlier could have risen to the top of the game without his injury heartbreak.

He said: “This is desperate for Richard. I’ve managed at four clubs now and Richard Sadlier is the best young centre-forward I’ve seen. He had the potential to go right to the top.”

Sadlier scored 34 goals in 103 league starts for Millwall after making his debut six years ago.