LUKE Ryan says Chad Keegan’s retirement will leave a big void for Oxfordshire.

The 37-year-old played his final match in Oxon’s Unicorns Counties Championship victory over Cheshire on August 14.

But he signed off on a high note, claiming 6-36 and hitting an unbeaten 51 during the first innings.

Keegan, who played first-class cricket for Middlesex and Sussex, spent six years with the minor counties side, making his debut in May 2011 and helping them become Western Division champions last season.

Captain Ryan is fully aware his side will miss the Johannesburg-born paceman.

“It is going to be really difficult (to replace him),” said Ryan.

“He has left big shoes to fill.

“Chad has been excellent on the field, but equally valuable off it and in the changing room.

“He is going to rest his body now, he deserves it.

“With Chad anything can happen when he is bowling, fielding, batting, he is exciting.”