Injured footballer speaks of compensation issues

A footballer who was injured in a tackle in 2006 has spoken about the compensation issues surrounding his case.

Former striker Dean Ashton, who damaged his ankle in a challenge made by fellow player Shaun Wright-Phillips, said he could have been awarded money if he had chosen to pursue it at the time, UK Express reports.

However, rather than focusing on this, the sportsman concentrated on attempting to regain his fitness.

Ashton had been called up to play for England by former manager Steve McClaren, who has since been replaced by Fabio Capello.

During a training session on the eve of the game, he and Wright-Phillips clashed and he has never made a full recovery.

He remarked: "If I'd given up within two years of the original injury, I'd have got the money. But I didn't, so the insurance became void."

Ashton went on to say that he just wishes to be able to walk again without pain.