Former Norwich City defender Gary Doherty has announced his retirement from football.

The 34-year-old has been out of action since sustaining a serious knee problem in a pre-season friendly for Wycombe at Barnet.

'It's the hardest decision for any footballer to have to make,' said the former Republic of Ireland international. 'You always hope you'll be able to retire in your own time when it's right for you, but injury has forced my hand and it's one of those things you have to deal with.'

Doherty – a centre-half who was sometimes deployed in attack – moved to Carrow Road from Tottenham in 2004 and two eyars later was named Player of the Year.

A popular figure, nicknamed 'The Ginger Pele', Doherty was made captain by Bryan Gunn, but left in the summer of 2010 having made 227 appearances, scoring 14 goals.

He joined Charlton and two years later joined Wycombe on loan, a deal which was made permanent.