Family first now for ‘Zinedine’ as Kilbane hangs up his boots

Former Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane has revealed a desire to be spend more time with his family played a part in his decision to call time on his playing career.

The 35-year-old, who won 110 caps for Ireland, retired on Saturday after 12 appearances for Coventry.

“It was an easy decision in the end,’’ Kilbane said. “I knew coming into the January transfer window there could have been options for me to move on and go elsewhere but I just decided that realistically for me the thing was to get as close as I can to my family and my two daughters, to be nearer to them and enjoy watching them grow up. The decision was made for me really.