Brian Lenihan forced to retire at 23

Irish defender Brian Lenihan has been forced to retire due to injury at just 23 years old.

The Hull City defender announced the news on Twitter, and says the decision has not been taken lightly.

Lenihan made 27 appearances for Cork City in the League of Ireland before signing for Hull in 2014.

The Republic of Ireland u21 international’s progress was hampered by knee injuries, and he did not make his debut for the club until April 2016, in a 1-0 away defeat to Bolton. The defender was also drafted into the senior international squad for the Euro 2016 qualifiers against Gibraltar and Germany after Seamus Coleman was ruled out through injury.

However, injury struck again, and the full back has made just one appearance since his league debut.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone associated with Hull City AFC for the care and support I have received over the past four years,” he wrote on Twitter.

“From a medical point of view the staff have gone above and beyond for me and for that I will be forever grateful”.

“In light of events late last year, it is with deep regret that I have had to retire from Professional Football.

“Having to retire at 23 is something I did not foresee… but such is life!

“This decision does not come lightly but due to the medical advice I have received it is an action that needs to be taken for my own wellbeing. I’d like to give a special thanks to Dr Mark Waller, Rob Price, Alan Peacham, and Ruben Crespo for the exemplary care and support they have given me during my time at the club.

“I’d also like to express my gratitude to Steve Bruce, Mike Phelan, Marco Silva, and Nigel Adkins for their advice and guidance during my time at the club.

“Sometimes in life you need to give up on a life long dream to ensure you live a happy and more fulfilling life.

“Much love, Brian Lenihan.”

Lenihan began his career at College Corinthians in Cork before moving to Cork City in 2012.