James McClean has revealed he is going through "hell" playing for Derry City this season with medical advice stating he should not continue his career.
The former Republic of Ireland international returned to the League of Ireland in January after 15 years away amid big spending by Tiernan Lynch in the quest to win an elusive league title.
But McClean's spell back with his hometown club has not gone to plan, with City struggling on the pitch and the former Sunderland winger being utilised mostly in the middle of midfield.
He turned 37 yesterday, having been playing as a professional for close to two decades.
Taking to social media, McClean said he wanted to make public the extent of his injury troubles in order to avoid speculation.
He revealed he has a hip problem that has been made considerably worse by playing on City’s astro surface in the last three months.
Derry have replaced the surface and will play on grass in Celtic Park until the new pitch is ready in the summer.
But McClean’s problem will require surgery or he will likely have to make a decision on whether to extend his career.
He said: "To be honest, this is a difficult post for me to write for a number of reasons - mainly due to the uncertainty of the outcome - but I feel it's best to put it in black and white.
"For the past few years, I have been playing through difficulties with my hip and though I have managed and played through the pain, the impact of training and playing on astro has sped up the damage much faster than I ever anticipated.
"The past six weeks have been hell - pain is something I have been able to get on with and play with throughout my career, but it is the restriction and not being able to move which is what I am struggling with physically obviously, but also mentally."
He added that it was also making everyday routines like playing with his children and putting on socks difficult.
McClean has been advised not to play on, but will seek surgery in a bid to help the issue.
He explained: "I was told by a specialist 10 days ago that my body currently 'has no business being on a football pitch' due to the severity of the damage to my hip.
"I respect his honesty and his expert opinion, but I have never been one to lay down without a fight.
"Tomorrow's appointment is a last chance for me to hopefully get a surgery - if it's even a possibility - one which will allow me to do what I have dreamt of doing, and that's being able to contribute while in an acceptable physical state to do so. That is playing for a club I love in Derry City.
"I felt it was important for me to share this because it could be a while if ever even - until I have the opportunity to do so again."
McClean was sent off for two yellow cards on his most recent appearance for Derry, a 2-2 draw with Dundalk on 10 April.
He is in theory available to return in tomorrow’s fixture with Shamrock Rovers but it remains to be seen what role he has going forward with the Candystripes pending the consultation.
