Mark Aizlewood: Carmarthen Town boss could play aged 55

Mark Aizlewood's former clubs include Cardiff City, Bristol City, Leeds United and Charlton Athletic

Former Leeds and Charlton defender Mark Aizlewood could make a playing comeback at the age of 55.

An injury crisis means the Carmarthen Town manager could put himself on the bench for Saturday's Welsh Premier game at Rhyl if he is registered in time.

Aizlewood, who won 39 Wales caps, retired in 2002 and says he "gets out of breath" crossing the street.

"I don't think I have much choice. We have an injury crisis and two suspensions," he told BBC Wales Sport.

"Last weekend before the injuries I had two of my staff on the bench, one of which had to go on for 25 minutes, therefore we're low on numbers."

If he plays, he will become the oldest player to appear in the Welsh Premier League.

The current record is held by former Carmarthen manager Tomi Morgan, who was 53 when he played for Porthmadog in 2010, the club he was in charge of at the time.

Aizlewood, whose other former clubs include Newport County, Bristol City and Cardiff City, has not played a competitive game since appearing for Cwmbran Town during the 1999-2000 season.

"This is not about getting any publicity for Mark Aizlewood," he said.

"I've got enough profile anyway, some for good, some for bad, I want to clear that up straight away. It's a necessity.

"Who knows at Rhyl on Saturday, we may get an injury, we may be winning 1-0 with like five minutes to go, so maybe I can stand in the way and block a shot, so who knows.

"But that would be a necessity nothing else."