Oxford United club captain Phil Gilchrist (pictured) has announced his retirement from the professional game due to injury.

Phil Gilchrist , 34, is in his second spell at United having re-joined them in 2006 following his release from Rotherham.

But the centre half has been troubled by a persistent knee injury for the last nine months and has decided the time is right to hang up his boots.

"It's been a hard decision, one of the toughest of my life," said Gilchrist.

"Every footballer wants to play for as long as possible, but it's got to the stage where the injury is restricting what I can do on the pitch and then causing problems for a few days after.

Gilchrist made more than 250 appearances for United.