RHYL footballer Ched Evans has been released by Fleetwood Town over discipline issues, according to manager Joey Barton.

The striker was left out of their 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic on Saturday, and Barton confirmed to BBC Radio Lancashire after the stalemate that Evans is no longer part of his plans.

This represents a blow to the former Wales international, who has been in good form for the club since making his loan move permanent last season.

Evans netted 31 goals in 79 appearances for Fleetwood over the two seasons prior to this one, but a series of behavioural matters behind the scenes have left Barton with no other alternative other than to remove the striker from the set-up.

He said: “It would’ve helped if we’d have had Ched (Evans). He’s no longer with us and he’ll leave the building due to his discipline and his behaviour.

“There’s been multiple infractions and we always try to give a bit of leeway but it’s just run its course.

“I like Ched, I’ve got enormous respect for him, but it’s got to the point where you have to act if someone keeps crossing the line.

“I’ve decided as a manager that there has to be a change of scenery for him now.

“What has happened will stay in our dressing room. It’s nothing major, it’s just a number of things that have gone on recently.”

Evans has been looking to get his career back on track after being released from prison on a rape charge that was subsequently overturned by the Court of Appeal.

He initially moved to Chesterfield to start over before returning to Sheffield United in a deal believed to be worth £500,000, but Evans found opportunities limited at Bramall Lane which resulted in a switch to The Trawlermen.