Kevin Doyle has been forced to announce his retirement. The Republic of Ireland striker says he has been suffering the effects of repeated concussions. 

"This year it has been clear to me that heading the ball was becoming problematic and causing me to have repeated headaches.

"Two concussions this season and numerous others over the years have made this more concerning. After consulting the experts in this field, it has been decided that to avoid the possibility of these symptoms becoming more serious and permanent, I will be hanging my boots up for good," he wrote in a statement posted on his Twitter account.

Statement on my retirment pic.twitter.com/3dTXdk4EXU

— Kevin Doyle (@KevinDoyle1983) September 28, 2017

"I will take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me during my career, especially my family, all the coaches and teammates I’ve had and the fans of any team I’ve played for whether in Ireland, the UK or the USA," he continued.After impressing at Cork City, Doyle's career saw him impress in the Premier League for both Reading and Wolves.

After impressing at Cork City, Doyle's career saw him impress in the Premier League for both Reading and Wolves. Most recently, the Wexford man plied his trade at Colorado Rapids in the MLS.

Doyle scored 14-times in green - and racked up 99 goals during his club career.