Former Irish international Steven Reid announces retirement

After a career spanning 17 years, encompassing 10 different operations, former Irish international Steven Reid will retire at the end of the season, on his own terms.

The former Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, West Brom and current Burnley midfielder will do so after making almost 400 club appearances, and having defied the odds with a career many expected injury to cut far shorter.

"The last 17 years have been incredible and I have been fortunate to have played for some great clubs at Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, West Bromwich Albion and Burnley, as well as representing Ireland and playing at the World Cup, " explained the 34-year-old.

“Alongside the great memories there have also been the many lows of my well-documented injuries and I feel the time has now come to listen to my body.”

In the form of his life during the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign Reid was forced to have surgery on his knee cartilage, a complication from the cruciate surgery he had a year beforehand.

Reid made 72 appearances for West Brom in the five years following the surgery. This season though he started just one game, coming off the bench in five others, in his maiden season with Championship-bound Burnley.

Reid made two appearances at the 2002 World Cup having been called up as a late replacement to Mick McCarthy’s squad, and captained Ireland against the Netherlands in August 2006.

He retired from international football in 2010, nine years on from his debut in a 2-2 friendly against Croatia in Lansdowne road, in the hope of prolonging his club career.

The combative midfielder turned right back added in a statement released on Monday morning via Burnley that he’s “excited about new challenges ahead. I’m working towards my ‘A’ licence and look forward to pursuing a career in coaching, alongside continuing the media work I’ve enjoyed this season.

“I would like to thank everybody that has been a part of the journey: My family, especially, but also the fans, players, staff, managers and friends that have made it a truly wonderful 17 years.”