Inverness Caledonian Thistle midfielder Angus Beith has been forced to retire from football due to injury.
The former Hearts youngster will be unable to play another game after suffering a hip problem similar to Andy Murray's.
Beith had surgery in an attempt to fix the problem but still suffers too much pain to continue playing.
Hearts and Inverness will play a benefit match at Tynecastle in the near future with all proceeds going towards the 23-year-old.
Caley Thistle boss John Robertson signed Beith last year and admits he's devastated to see him end his career so prematurely.
He said: "Everyone is gutted for Angus as he has worked very hard to get back from his surgery and was close to playing on a couple of occasions but unfortunately just could not overcome the pain in his hip that would allow him to compete then recover from playing games.
“Angus was a complete midfield player with passing ability and box to box energy that we all hoped would be a real asset to the club and its tragic that he has to step away from the game he loves at such a young age, it has been an emotional time for him and this decision will have been tough to make and not done lightly.”
Beith joined Inverness from Hearts in May 2018 but has yet to kick a ball for the club due to the problem.
He added: “I would like to thank John Robertson and Inverness Caledonian Thistle for the opportunity they gave me when I signed last year.
“I have done everything possible to recover from injury and to get back playing but, reluctantly I have had to accept that it is just not possible for me to play football any longer I wish the club every success this season and in the future.”
Beith also had loan spells at Stirling Albion (twice), Stenhousemuir and Stranraer during his short career and earned seven Scotland U19 caps.
