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36 year old Stephen McPhail, who won ten caps for the Republic of Ireland senior side between 2000 and 2004, has finally called time on his playing career. McPhail joined Shamrock Rovers in 2014 and helped the Hoops achieve European football in his first season.

Stephen McPhail’s statement read:

"Today I announce my retirement from professional football. I have always dreaded this day coming.

The opportunity to play in over 500 competitive games and represent my country has been a dream come true. I am very grateful to have spent over 20 years in football. I owe so much to the best game in the world. I have had unbelievable experiences and hold many great memories. It has really moulded me into the person that I am today.

From my Grandad Paddy bringing me to play for Rush Athletic at 5 years of age to now, I need to thank so many people for helping me along the way. I have been lucky to work with brilliant people at great football clubs.

Most of all I am thankful to my family, my friends, my amazing wife Michelle and my kids Kari and Joel for all their support. I will be forever grateful.

I would also like to thank Home Farm for everything they did for me and Shamrock Rovers for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the last part of my career at home in Dublin. It means a lot.

I hope to stay in the game in the future and give something back that was given to me. It is all I know and love.

Football, thank you for everything".

On behalf of Shamrock Rovers, Board Director Mark Lynch said, “Player/Coach at Shamrock Rovers F.C. in 2016, today marks the end of an era for one of this country's most skilful players, a leader and a gentleman on and off the pitch.”

Playmaking midfielder McPhail first came to prominence in the Leeds United youth team at the end of the 1990s. He broke into the Leeds first team in season 1999/00. After loan spells at Millwall and Nottingham Forest, he moved to Barnsley.

A lengthy and successful spell at Cardiff City followed during which McPhail captained the Welsh side in the 2008 FA Cup Final. Stephen then played briefly for Sheffield Wednesday before his move to the League of Ireland two years ago. He scored his only international goal against South Africa in 2000.

There has been plenty of tributes from the world of football including former England skipper Steven Gerrard paid the following tribute, “Had many great battles with this fella over the years. Good luck with your retirement.”

Tributes to Stephen McPhail

Had many great battles with this fella over the years . Good luck with your retirement . #stephenmcphail A photo posted by Steven Gerrard (@stevengerrard) on Oct 22, 2016 at 8:57am PDT

Just heard me ould pal and neighbour Stephen McPhail has retired. What a player and I wish him and Michelle and the kids the very best xx — Gary kelly (@Gazkells) October 22, 2016

Best wishes to @ShamrockRovers's Stephen McPhail on his retirement - hard to believe its 16yrs since I saw him make his Ireland debut. — Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (@AodhanORiordain) October 22, 2016

Best of luck to Stephen McPhail in his retirement, absolute gent, superb playing career and hopefully a great coaching career ahead. — Mark Scanlon (@markscanlon85) October 22, 2016