Caley Thistle midfielder Angus Beith has been forced to retire at the age of 23 due to a long-standing hip problem.
Beith joined Inverness from Hearts last summer but has not featured due to the problem, which is similar to that of Scottish three-time grand slam winning tennis player Andy Murray.
The Edinburgh-born player underwent surgery but has continued to feel pain, forcing him to take the agonising decision to cut short his playing career.
It has been confirmed Inverness will face Hearts in a benefit match in Edinburgh at a date yet to be confirmed.
Inverness manager John Robertson spoke of his high hopes about Beith upon signing him on a three-year deal last year, and 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 said: “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.”