Former Bolton, Liverpool and Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer has announced his retirement.

McAteer became a free agent at the end of last season when League One side Tranmere Rovers opted not to renew his deal as player/coach at Prenton Park.

And he has decided to hang up his boots after a 16-year playing career.

He made his name under Bruce Rioch at Bolton, making 109 appearances between 1992 and 1995, before big-money moves to Liverpool, Blackburn and Sunderland.

He also made 52 appearances on the international stage with Ireland, scoring three goals and appearing in the 1994 and 2002 World Cups.