Steve Sidwell has acknowledged that he may struggle to continue his professional career after a year on the sidelines.

After helping Brighton & Hove Albion win promotion to the Premier League, Sidwell was forced to undergo surgery on ankle and back injuries and the midfielder has now been released by the Seagulls.

Sidwell is open to playing in the EFL in a bid to prolong his playing days, but the former England Under-21 international has admitted that retirement is an option.

The 35-year-old told talkSPORT: "I'll be honest with you, it's a bit up in the air. Could it be over? Possibly.

"I've been working hard in rehab this year. It's been constant. Sometimes you need to pull the handbrake up and have a rest, but that's not really worked either.

"I need to have a good think over the summer, do a bit of training and just be honest with myself to see if can I go in and do it again."

Sidwell has made a total of 513 appearances during his career.