Former West Brom and Middlesbrough midfielder James Morrison has announced his retirement.

The 33-year-old left West Brom in the summer and despite interest from other clubs, has decided to call time on his playing career, but he will now join the Baggies' academy set-up to help him on his way to becoming a coach.

He told West Brom's official website: “It's been really hard to make this decision. Football has been my life for so long. It's difficult to say goodbye to that.

“Having said that, being offered the opportunity to return to this club to begin some coaching has helped me come to terms with my playing days coming to an end.

“I loved playing here. It's easy to take it all for granted, but I really have loved my time here, so to be able to extend that in a non-playing capacity is great."