NORTH End have been dealt a massive blow as they prepare to return to league action -- Ryan Kidd's football career is over.

The lionheart leftback, who has been at the club for a decade, was given the devastating news by a top neurologist on Tuesday.

Kidd, currently in his testimonial year, suffered a recurrence of a neck injury which has plagued him for two years, during last week's 2-2 draw with Barnsley.

And now specialists have told the 30-year-old he could face life in a wheelchair if he aggravated the injury.

Preston boss David Moyes said: "Obviously it is very disappointing news for Ryan and his family, who are very supportive of him and all come to watch him play.

"Ryan felt after the Barnsley game there was a problem and was preparing himself for the worst but there was always hope that it wouldn't be the case that he had to retire.

"It is disappointing for the team because he has been a great servant to the club and played a big part in last season's success at centre-half.

"I hope he will get a good turn-out for his testimonial."

The club is still reeling from the news that Bjarki Gunnlaugsson has had to retire from the game after his hip failed to mend. Kidd's retirement adds to North End's injury woes, especially in the left-back position.

Rob Edwards has been injured and youngster Adam Eaton, who deputised for Kidd last week, took a clattering against Barnsley.

Moyes added: "You have to remember that Ryan played five days ago and now he's been told he can't play football anymore.

"At the moment he feels fit and healthy but the neurologist has told him that the risk of playing would be too great.

"To be told something like that after playing the other day is a huge blow."

Club physio Mick Rathbone said: "Ryan had successful surgery in May last year to remove the disc and fuse over the area. He has since played 30 or 40 games completely symptom-free.

"But that kind of operation can, unfortunately, shift pressure onto the disc above and below and although Ryan had no symptoms at all, when he headed the ball against Barnsley he felt the same kind of symptoms.

"We got him scanned and confirmed the bad news that the disc below was showing signs of wear."

North End travel to the City Ground on Saturday to play Nottingham Forest.

A win could take North End third - but it is worthing noting just six points seperate them from Forest, who are 15th at present.