Simon Cox has announced his retirement from football aged 34.
The striker won 30 caps for the Republic of Ireland between 2011 and 2014 and scored four goals.
Cox played for a variety of English clubs including Southend, Reading, Nottingham Forest, West Brom and Swindon.
He was most recently in Australia with Western Sydney Wanderers but returned to England earlier this year to pursue a career in coaching.
On Twitter, Cox wrote: “Today is the day that every footballer knows will come but never looks forward to.
“After speaking with my family today, I announce my retirement from playing the sport I love.
“I’ve been fortunate to have lived through a dream, which I’ve been able to share with the people closest to me.
“I was a young lad who dreamt of playing and scoring in the @premierleague to someone who represented @FAIreland 30 times.
“I was part of the squad that went to the European Championships 2012 in Poland and Ukraine for the first time in nearly 30 years.
“I’ve made over 500 appearances and scored over 130 goals for clubs and country.
“I’d like to say thank you to all the managers who gave me a chance and to all the players and staff that I’ve had the pleasure to meet and play with in my career.
“As much as I’m calling time on a playing career, this is not the end in football for me.”
Cox continued: “Since returning from Australia, I’ve been quietly going about seeking coaching/management roles.
“But I never envisioned it being as challenging as it has been so far. I know that whoever gives me the opportunity to prove myself will see that I’m raring to go.”
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