Morris left the Stoke Potters in July after just four months at Loomer Road

Former Stoke Potters rider Phil Morris has been forced to retire because of a persistent shoulder injury.

The 33-year-old Welshman, who also rode for Birmingham, has dislocated his shoulder several times in his career.

He took the decision to quit after being told he would need another operation to continue racing.

"The specialist advised me that my shoulder has a lot of internal damage and said I risked permanent damage if I was to injure it again," said Morris.

"The prospect of not being able to use my arm properly in later life is too much of a risk to take and it is with great sadness that I have to retire from speedway with immediate effect.

"Naturally I am absolutely gutted that I have to retire. I have been a professional speedway rider for more than half my life, so it is going to leave a massive void, but I am old enough and wise enough to realise that I need to think about my future health."

Morris joined the Stoke Potters at the start of the 2009 season, but struggled for form and left the Premier League outfit in July.

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