Former Norwich City defender Marc Tierney has been forced to retire after failing to recover from a persistent ankle injury which restricted him to just eight appearances for Championship rivals Bolton following a free transfer move from Carrow Road.

The 29-year-old had not played a senior game since September 2013 after suffering a leg and ankle break that required ligament reconstruction surgery following a Trotters' home game against Yeovil.

The ex-Colchester full-back, who made 34 league appearances for the Canaries and was part of the Championship promotion-winning squad in 2011, had since undergone four separate operations but in a statement released on Thursday morning Bolton confirmed Tierney had been advised to retire on medical advice.

'I'd like to place on record my thanks to the backroom staff, manager and chairman, who have all been brilliant in helping me in the best possible way,' he said. 'I would really have liked to have played for this manager, but unfortunately it hasn't worked out that way.

'The club have been kind enough to allow me to still come in for physio, so my treatment is still ongoing. I want to get to the point where it doesn't affect me in my normal life, a recreational ankle if you will.

'It's obviously very disappointing, but I've got some great memories from my time as a player, from progressing up the leagues to playing in the Premier League. Of course, I wanted to help Bolton get back there, but it just wasn't to be.'

Salford-born Tierney started his playing career with Oldham Athletic and has also represented Shrewsbury Town, with whom he reached the League Two play-off final, Carlisle United and Colchester United before moving to Carrow Road.

'Everyone is gutted for Marc,' said Bolton boss Neil Lennon. 'Since we came through the door his attitude has been superb, but unfortunately it just isn't to be. We of course wish him well in whatever he decides to do going forward and he'll always be welcome back at Bolton.'