Troy Deeney WITHDRAWS from UK Open Pool Championship just hours before it starts... as he reveals how he suffered an injury on the morning of his professional debut

Troy Deeney has been forced to withdraw from the UK Open Pool Championship after suffering an injury on the morning of the tournament. 

The former Watford star was set to play two matches, including a first-round clash against World No 31 Marc Bijsterbosch.  

However, the 35-year-old who was sacked by Forest Green in January, suffered an injury while training in another sport on the morning of the event getting underway in Telford.

In a message on Instagram, he revealed that he went to A&E after dislocating two knuckles and sustaining ligament damage in his hand after doing some boxing training on Tuesday morning.

He wrote: 'Truly gutted that I've had to pull out of today's UK Open Pool Championship.

'A trip to A&E this morning has revealed I've got two dislocated knuckles and ligament damage in my hand after some boxing training this morning pre-event.

'I'm genuinely so frustrated as I was really looking forward to getting out there today.

'Huge thank you to the World Nineball Tour and CueTec for the support in my preparation and wish everyone the best of luck at the tournament which I'm sure will be a huge success.'

Deeney had accepted a wildcard for the event after being approached by promoters Matchroom Pool to get involved in the 256-player event on an invitational basis at the Telford International Centre. 

The tournament also includes World Snooker Championship semi-finalist Stuart Bingham, and Tyson Fury's boxing brother Roman.

Deeney has previously posted a TikTok video of him training in a boxing gym. 

After announcing his switch to pool last month, he said: 'I've played pool, in loads of pool halls round the country with my pals as a social thing and I just thought why not try something different?

'I've always been an admirer of athletes in different sports, the dedication and amount of hours it takes to get great at it.

'It's easy to sit at home and say I could've done that, but actually getting up and trying to do it is completely different. Always grateful for new opportunities and learning.

'There's probably more pressure on whoever plays me because they don't want to go out to this numpty with a big mouth! 

'For me it's a bit of fun, obviously the serious competitive nature will come out anyway, but if I lose to somebody in the UK Open is it a negative for me? No.'