A BURNLEY footballer whose career was ended by a horrror tackle has won undisclosed damages in an out of court settlement.

Chris Casper, the son of former Clarets manager and striker Frank, starred in the same Manchester United youth team as David Beckham and Paul Scholes. He suffered multiple leg injuries while playing for Reading against Cardiff on Boxing Day, 1999.

Burnley-born Chris suffered a broken fibula, tibia and cruciate and ankle ligament damage when he was just 24.

The defender underwent a series of operations and doctors inserted five metal screws into his left leg.

The former St Theodore's pupil brought a private action against former Cardiff midfield player Richard Carpenter for loss of earnings.

Chris said the tackle ended his career.

Chris, who now lives near Bristol, said: "It's a matter of great relief to me that this claim has been settled. The tackle and the injuries I sustained changed the course of my life and, inevitably, there have been some difficult times for my family and me.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank those people who have been by my side and supported me throughout this difficult time, particularly my wife Karen, parents and close family.

"I would also like to extend my gratitude to my fellow football colleagues, particularly Sir Alex Ferguson, Gary Neville, Tommy Burns and Manchester United.

"I enjoyed more than 10 years of professional football.

"The game has always played a major part in my life and it was a shock to suffer an injury of this nature. I'm now coaching with Bury FC and enjoying the second chance that football has given me."

Chris is now eligible for a pension from the Professional Footballers' Association.

He spent seven years at Old Trafford, had brief loan spells at Swindon and Bournemouth before joining Reading in 1998, whom he was with for three years. He is currently both the reserve team and youth team coach at Bury FC. Ironically, the football career of his father was also cut short prematurely by injury.

He transferred to Reading in 1998 for £300,000 and became a fans' favourite, playing at centre half, sweeper and full back.

Chris and his wife, Karen, have a two-year-old daughter, Grace.