McGeady calls time on career at 38

Former Republic of Ireland international Aiden McGeady has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 38.

First capped in 2004 by Brian Kerr, the Glaswegian went on to earn 93 caps for Ireland, scoring five goals, and last appearing in the 5-1 loss to Denmark as Ireland fell short of the 2018 World Cup at the play-off stage.

He is Ireland's eighth-most-capped international of all time.

The son of former Sheffield United player John McGeady, he broke through at Celtic as a teenager, winning four league titles at Celtic Park before departing for Spartak Moscow in 2010.

Following four years in the Russian capital he returned to the UK with Everton before signing with Sunderland in 2017, where he spent five turbulent seasons.

There followed a season at Hibernian and then Ayr, he departed the latter last month after the appointment of former Celtic team-mate Scott Brown as manager.

However now he has decided to draw the curtain down on a 20-year career.

"Football has given me so much and getting to play the game I loved at the top level is the stuff dreams are made of. I truly lived that dream every day on the pitch," he said in a statement.

"There are so many memories, too many to mention but getting to pull on the famous green and white Celtic jersey, the team I supported, was extremely special.

"Playing in the Champions League and individual honours I received there in front of those amazing fans are some of the most memorable moments of my life.

"I've been lucky enough to play for so many great teams in England, Scotland, Russia, brilliant memories at the best clubs.

"I will never forget the magical times representing Ireland for 13 years and getting to the Euros in the process. I have made lifelong friends in football, played with some world class team mates along the way.

"I'd like to thank all the managers, coaching staff and backroom staff that helped guide me through the good and bad times. From the start of my career as a boy, to the very end of it, thank you for the support.

"An extra special thank you to my loving family, friends, and advisers who have been with me on this journey every step of the way.

"To the fans and everyone who played a part in my footballing story, I won't forget you. This part of my journey may be at the end, but I'm looking forward to the future. Thank you football."