Football: Richard Sadlier retires at 24

Millwall 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 Republic of Ireland international 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.

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.