Soccer:Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane has announced his retirement from professional football with immediate effect. The 35-year-old finished his playing career at League One side Coventry City, whom he joined in the summer and was named as club captain.

Kilbane made 110 appearances for the Republic of Ireland, third in the all-time Irish list behind Robbie Keane and Shay Given.

Included in those caps was a run of 66 consecutive competitive appearances from 1999 until the summer of 2011 when a back injury deprived him of adding to the streak. England’s Billy Wright is the only player with a longer run, playing 70 consecutive competitive games at international level.

Kilbane started his club career with his hometown team Preston North End at the age of 18 before signing for West Brom for £ 1million in 1997. He also played for Sunderland, Everton, Wigan and Hull City, while also having loan spells at Huddersfield Town and Derby County.

Speaking about his decision to retire from Coventry City, Kilbane said: “I would like to thank the directors, coaching staff, players and supporters at Coventry City Football Club for my brief time at the club and wish them all the best for the future.”

Steve Waggott, development director for Coventry City Football Club, said: “Kevin has been a great professional throughout his career and we would like to thank him for his services to the club and wish him all the very best in whatever he decides to do in the future.”