Albion midfielder Warren Aspinall is hanging up his boots.

He has been told to retire or risk permanent damage to his right ankle, which has been ravaged by a horror infection.

Aspinall, 33, is spending his 21st day in Southampton General Hospital while the Seagulls tackle his old club Carlisle at Withdean.

"They are advising me to call it a day or I will be a cripple," he said. "I am going to take their advice."

Aspinall's nightmare began when he damaged ligaments in the ankle in a reserve team friendly against Southampton on August 21.

He had career-saving keyhole surgery at the end of September and was in the early stages of rehabilitation when the ankle "blew up like a ballooon."

The Argus revealed last month how Aspinall cried in front of his two children, because he was in so much pain.

He was rushed into Southampton General three weeks ago for another operation to stop the infection, which eats through cartilage and ligaments.

"I was half expecting to be back in action this month or back in the team around Christmas time," Aspinall said.

"But then they told me I can't even put my foot down for three months.

"I have been a professional since the age of 17, so it's a big shock, I just wanted to carry on as long as possible."

Aspinall now faces a THIRD operation to insert a tube in his chest, through which he can be fed antibiotics. He will then be allowed to continue his recovery at home.

Wife Bev said: "It will be after Christmas before he can walk, so I am going to tie him to the settee.

"He is in quite good spirits bearing in mind what has happened. He is not the sort to complain."

Albion have been in regular touch with Aspinall at the Hospital. Boss Micky Adams said: "He's had a torrid time. We are all bitterly sorry for him."

Aspinall was signed by Adams from Colchester a year ago in a free swap involving Andy Arnott following a month on loan with the Seagulls.

Albion became his tenth club and he was a regular in the side last season, featuring in 36 League and cup games, before Adams re-signed him this season on a monthly contract.

The ex-England youth international played previously for home town club Wigan, Everton, Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Swansea, Bournemouth, Carlisle and Brentford.

He scored a total of 91 goals and made the last of his 476 League appearances as a substitute in Albion's opening home win against Rochdale at Withdean in August.