Olympic hockey champion Nicola White has been removed from Great Britain's centralised programme following prolonged concussion.

The injury happened during a friendly match against Ireland in March 2018 when her head collided with a player's shoulder.

And White, who has described the last 20 months as 'soul-destroying', has failed to fully recover from the injury in time for selection.

White said on Twitter: "I am hugely disappointed by this but I am determined to overcome my injury. 

"I never imagined my injury would be so prolonged or debilitating.

"Throughout this recovery I have done my utmost to try and get back to the level needed for international hockey. 

"However, due to the severity of chronic symptoms and pain, it's not been possible to reach the deadline set for me.

"I would like to thank the people closest to me for their love, support and continued guidance."

The 31 year-old made her international debut in 2009 and has earned a total of 186 caps. 

She won gold with GB at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and bronze at London 2012.

GB hockey's performance director Ed Barney said: "She has continued to persevere, fight and do everything within her power to recover. 

"We are sad that the time has come to make a decision about her participation in the central programme, but we hope that she'll be back out on a hockey pitch as soon as possible."