Nottinghamshire have announced that fast bowler Mark Footitt has been released from his contract.

The 23-year-old left-armer, who picked up 23 wickets from nine first-class matches, has struggled with injuries in his time at Trent Bridge, including a bulging disc in his back that ruled him out last season.

He played against Oxford UCCE in June this year but has been unable to force his way into the plans of Director of Cricket Mick Newell and is now free to look for another club.

Said Newell: “It’s a shame things haven’t worked out for Mark, but hopefully he will have the opportunity to go on trial with another county before the end of the season and get a fresh start.

“I’d like to thank Mark for his efforts over the past five years and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Regarded at one stage as a genuine out-and-out pace prospect, Footitt was forced to miss an England Under-19 tour in 2004-05 with injury and also part of his winter with the ECB National Academy in 2005-06 due to ankle surgery.

He picked up 4-45 on his first-class debut against Glamorgan in 2005 but only made five more appearances in the Championship, with his last coming against Derbyshire in June 2007.