Bolton striker Daryl Murphy has admitted to serving a ban from football for taking cocaine.
Murphy, 36, has revealed he took the substance on a night out and served a secret six-week ban last season, while with Nottingham Forest.
The FA have a policy of not naming players who failed drugs tests but Murphy has come forward.
“Firstly, I would like to stress that the taking of recreational drugs is something that I don’t condone whatsoever,” Murphy told the Athletic.
“I served a suspension at the beginning of last season for making a bad decision while on a night out.
“This was an isolated incident which happened out of competition when we had no game. I immediately regretted it.
“I am not proud of what I did but it’s something I have put behind me as I want to concentrate on my football career.”
Murphy's Forest contract was terminated in September as he joined Bolton on a free transfer.
He has also had spells at Sunderland, Ipswich, Newcastle and Celtic during his club career and won 32 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
The dates of Murphy's ban are unclear, although he did go two months without playing in between October and December last year.
Murphy has been a regular for Bolton this season as they bid to climb their way out of the League One drop zone.
The Trotters started the season with a 12 point deduction but have turned things around under Keith Hill and are now on a positive tally.
