Culkin hangs up gloves

QPR goalkeeper Nick Culkin has been forced to retire through injury this week.

The former York City and Manchester United custodian has failed to recover from a long-standing knee injury and after visiting a knee specialist, the 26-year-old has decided to hang up his gloves.

Culkin lamented that the battle to recover from his knee injury proved too difficult in the end.

"It's been a real battle, and sadly the injury has beaten me," Culkin told the club's official website.

"I've worked very hard to get fit again, but it just wasn't to be.

"Nevertheless, I would like to thank the medical team at Loftus Road. They did their very best and I have nothing but admiration for them."

Meanwhile, QPR have been running the rule over Farnborough striker Michael-Lee Charles.

Charles appeared in the Championship club's reserves at Stevenage Borough this week.