Irish striker David Connolly retires

Former Ireland striker David Connolly has retired.

The 37-year-old, who scored once in eight appearances for League Two outfit Wimbledon this season, made the decision after coming to the conclusion he was now too old to start games.

He said: “As time has gone on, I felt that starting games was difficult and I felt that now was the time to call it a day. I have spoken to (Wimbledon boss) Neal (Ardley) about coaching opportunities and that could be a possibility in the future.”

Connolly scored nine times in 41 games for Ireland, between 1996 and 2004.

He played in the 2002 World Cup but missed a penalty in Ireland’s last 16 shoot-out defeat to Spain.