Newport County captain Mark O'Brien has been forced to retire at the age of 27.
The club have announced the centre-back requires heart surgery which will prevent him from carrying on with his playing career.
O'Brien joined the Exiles on a short-term contract in January 2017 - ending the season by scoring goal that secured the club's dramatic escape from relegation from the football league.
Since then, the Irishman has been a first choice for the club and played a key role in Newport's FA Cup runs and League Two Play-Off Final appearance last season.
He was appointed club captain at the start of the 2019-20 season. During his time at Rodney Parade, he played 127 matches for the club - scoring 4 goals.
In a statement, the club said they would "be doing everything it can to support Mark at this difficult time."
The news comes just over a year after another County player, Fraser Franks, also had to retire due to a heart condition.
After starting his career at Derby County, Dublin-born O'Brien had spells at Luton Town, Motherwell and Southport - making 204 appearances in total throughout his senior career, scoring 5 goals.
He also won two caps for the Republic of Ireland U19 team.
