Dundee United have announced that club captain Lee Wilkie has been forced to retire due to injury. The 29 year old defender has battled his way back from injury on several occasions since suffering knee damage in 2004 but this time he has finally been advised to end his playing career.

A compensation package has been agreed with the Club and, subject to formalities, will be completed shortly.

Boss Peter Houston told the club's official web site, "This is a huge blow for the football club and, of course, for Lee personally. There is no doubt that Lee was one of the best centre halves in Scottish football and, in my opinion, during last season he was the best bar none.

"He has fought back from injury with great courage in the past and it is equally courageous of him to finally accept the advice now given.

The Club has always been supportive of Lee and I'm pleased that matters have been agreed between him and the Chairman. Lee will always be welcome at the Club and we hope to see him and his family around Tannadice on a regular basis."