Stephen McPhail: Former Cardiff City captain retires

Stephen McPhail won 10 caps for the Republic of Ireland

Former Cardiff City and Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen McPhail has announced his retirement from professional football.

McPhail, 36, started his career at Leeds United and after short spell at Barnsley joined Cardiff in 2006.

He made over 200 appearances for Cardiff and was captain when they lost to Portsmouth in the 2008 FA Cup final.

McPhail was dogged by injury and illness in his last few seasons at Cardiff.

After leaving Cardiff in May 2013, he spent a short spell with Sheffield Wednesday before joining Shamrock Rovers in February 2014, where he was player-coach.

"I owe so much to the best game in the world," McPhail said.

"I have had unbelievable experiences and hold many great memories. It has really moulded me into the person that I am today."

Westminster-born McPhail, who won 10 caps for the Republic of Ireland, was diagnosed with a form of lymphoma in November 2009 and then the autoimmune disease Sjogren's Syndrome.