Orient youngster Jake Argent has been forced to retire from football after failing to overcome a knee injury.

Argent, 19, first sustained the problem in July 2010, during the summer in which he signed his first pro contract, having come through the club’s youth system.

The forward sustained damage to his anterior cruciate ligament and cartilage and was unable to make a comeback after suffering further damage in January and July.

Speaking to the club’s website, manager Russell Slade said: “It’s always desperately sad when a young player has his career terminated in this way.

“He was a talented lad and a great pro, and it’s a real shame that he is having to retire. We wish him well for the future.”