John Welsh "angry" after match-fixing probe

Preston North End midfielder John Welsh has admitted that he is "disappointed, angry and frustrated" after being investigated over alleged match-fixing last year.

The 31-year-old, who is likely to feature in Preston's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Manchester United on Monday evening, was one of six players from Preston to be arrested last April before the investigation was dropped 10 months later.

However, Welsh is worried that the allegations may have left an indelible mark on his future in football.

He told The Guardian: "My big worry is future employment. If I change clubs or move into coaching is this episode going to be a stain on my career? Is suspicion going to follow us around?

"We got our phones and laptops back a couple of weeks ago but nothing like an apology. That would be something, though I fear the damage has already been done.

"We've been all over the national papers. I'm glad it's over now but I'm disappointed, angry and frustrated to have been dragged into all this on the basis of so little evidence."

Welsh began his career at Liverpool, but was released in January 2006 before joining Hull City.