PARALYMPIAN and England Cerebral Palsy captain Jack Rutter has been forced into international retirement due to a change in rules.

Rutter, who plays for Hellenic League Premier Division side Lydney Town and hails from Newent, chalked up 21 appearances in tournaments for England and scored 21 goals for his country.

But after a four-year research project, the International Federation for Cerebral Palsy Football has revised its classification rules meaning that players with minimal impairments are no longer considered eligible to compete in the sport.

Consequently a number of players from across the world will now not be eligible for future competition, including Rutter, who will continue on the disability talent pathway role models programme.

“It’s with a very heavy heart that I have to announce my retirement from international football,” Rutter said.

“Unfortunately it’s not about the disability but the ability of the player and I believe this will have a significant impact on the quality of the game but there’s nothing I can do about that.

“I am obviously absolutely gutted but I would like to say a huge thank you to the FA, my coaches, my friends, my family and my teammates for everything you have done for me.

“I’ve travelled around the world, played in five major tournaments and was lucky enough to captain my country in a European Championship, two World Championships and the second biggest sporting event in the world, the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016.

“We’ve gone from ninth to fourth in the world and the progression we have made has been incredible.”

Rutter turned to disability football after being assaulted in Gloucester and suffering a serious brain injury and mild cerebral palsy.

Then a Birmingham City scholar, his professional dream was dashed by the vicious attack in 2009.

“I’ve gone from contemplating suicide over losing my professional football career, being out of work for five years, stopped playing football completely and was headed towards alcoholism to a Paralympian, professional speaker, coach, ambassador and mentor,” he added.

“This won’t defeat me.

“I’m delighted to say I will now be a coach for the Under-21 Cerebral Palsy team as well as continuing my current work and aiming to one day become the manager of the senior team.”