Korsten's career is ended at 26

Tottenham midfielder Willem Korsten has been forced to retire through injury at only 26.

Korsten's career has been beset by hip problems. The former Dutch Under-21 international had a metal plate inserted into his hip six years ago and, despite a number of comebacks, he has reluctantly accepted his playing days are over.

He said: "The problem kept getting worse. When I had my first operation it was very painful because they broke my hip first, then twisted it and then put it back straight. It was quite a serious injury and there was always the thought I might never play again."

Korsten began his career at NEC and spent six years with Vitesse. He played seven times for Leeds in the 1998-99 season before moving to Spurs, where he made 23 first-team appearances.

Meanwhile, Spurs striker Chris Armstrong, who has not played for 10 months, is targeting a Christmas comeback after an operation on a groin injury.

Armstrong, a £4.5 million signing from Crystal Palace six years ago, has spent long periods on the sidelines with groin and ankle problems.

"I'm looking forward to two months of hard work to get back into action," he said.

"It's a hell of a long time since I've played but I've got real hope now. The operation has gone well."

Anthony Gardner and Ben Thatcher are due to continue their comebacks from injury in a friendly at Peterborough tonight.