Sunderland's former Republic of Ireland  defender Clive Clarke has left the Premier League club by mutual consent over fears about his health.

The 28-year-old suffered a heart attack while on loan at Leicester in August, collapsing in the dressing room at half-time in the Foxes' Carling Cup clash with Nottingham Forest.

Clarke, who has also played for Stoke and West Ham among other clubs, was fitted with a pace-maker after the scare and it has been decided to terminate his contract at the Stadium of Light.

A statement on the club's website said: "Clive Clarke has left the club following the termination of his employment contract by mutual agreement following medical advice."