Caley Thistle player says contract ended while awaiting surgery

Irish footballer Aaron Doran says his contract with Inverness Caledonian Thistle has been ended while he awaited knee surgery for an injury he sustained while playing.

The 33-year-old was 19 when he joined Caley Jags and made almost 400 appearances - including helping the club to win the Scottish Cup in 2015.

Inverness, in turmoil following relegation from the Scottish Championship, cancelled Doran's operation last month.

It has been paid for with donations by fellow footballers, managers and fans.

In a social media post, Doran described his treatment by Inverness as "disgraceful and unacceptable".

Irish footballer Aaron Doran was awaiting knee surgery when he received his P45

Inverness Caledonian Thistle (ICT) has been approached for comment.

Following relegation to League 1, the club announced plans to move its training base 136 miles to Kelty in Hearts.

The plan was abandoned after criticism from fans, but concerns remain about the club's future.

Doran, who previously played for Blackburn Rovers, is among players not to secure new deals.

He said in his post: "I received my P45 email while awaiting surgery yesterday.

"This being the only time that the club has contacted me."

He added: "They have shown me no duty of care for an injury which happened playing for them on live TV and have not spoken to me once or any other out of contract player.

"I have not been offered rehab.

"Personally, I find it disgraceful and unacceptable and this should never be allowed to happen."

Doran had a spell at Blackburn Rovers

Doran said his family's home was in the Highlands, and he wanted to thank fans for 14 years of support.

His former ICT team-mate Shane Sutherland started a fundraiser to pay for the surgery.

Rangers and Scotland player John Souttar and Hearts legend John Robertson have been among footballer who have contributed.

Doran is recovering at home following surgery on his knee