England's Tim Whiteman ruled out of Commonwealth Games

Team England hockey player Tim Whiteman has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games having failed to overcome injury.

The 27-year-old had to undergo surgery last week after damaging his thumb in training.

Whiteman was hopeful that he could make a quick recovery from the injury and compete at the 2014 Games in Glasgow, but his dream is now officially over.

"Gutting news that unfortunately my thumb hasn't healed, requiring another operation on Monday ruling me out of the Commenwealths," he said on Twitter.

England have never previously won a gold medal in the hockey event at the Commonwealth Games.