Former Workington Reds midfielder Phil McLuckie has admitted that persistent injuries and falling out of love with football have forced him to hang up his boots.

The 27-year-old announced his retirement this week just days after forward Tom Kilifin left the club following talks with joint manager Dave Hewson.

The former Morecambe star’s final game for the club was the 3-1 reverse at home to Matlock last Saturday.

McLuckie joined Reds during the 2007/08 season, but announced he was quitting the club in 2012 after getting a new job at Sellafield.

He returned to the club ahead of the 2013/14 season, but has been plagued by numerous injuries.

He was sidelined for four months after breaking his jaw against Ramsbottom in February, but returned during pre-season.

McLuckie admitted his decision to retire had been “difficult” and that he has been weighing up quitting football for most of the year.

He said: “I’m just not enjoying it anymore and if you’re not enjoying there’s no point and I want to give other lads a chance.

“It’s a combination of things. I’ve always been injury-plagued and it’s stopped me from getting as fit as I would like to be.

“It’s been one thing after another. I’ve not been playing well and the team hasn’t been playing well.

“I used to always look forward to Saturday, but I wasn’t looking forward to games anymore. I will miss it. It’s been a big part of my life and I will miss the lads and the crack with them. Time will tell how much I’ll miss it.”

McLuckie’s departure leaves the management team short on central midfield options for Saturday’s match with Warrington, ko 3pm at Cantilever Park.

Long-term absentees Gari Rowntree and Anthony Wright are unlikely to feature and James Earl will serve the last match of his three-game suspension.

It leaves Rob Wilson as the only recognised central midfielder although Josh Calvert can fill in.

Meanwhile Hewson has admitted that Reds are stepping up their search for a striker following Kilifin’s departure.

The 23-year-old asked to leave the club earlier this week after admitting that his commute from Lancaster for training and home games was taking its toll.