Bjornebye retires

The former Norwegian international suffered an horrendous eye injury last year, and Blackburn Rovers have reluctantly agreed to his decision to quit, on medical advice.

The fractured eye socket was a sickening blow to a player who had struggled with other, more conventional, injuries during his spell at Ewood Park.

"It was a terrible injury and presented me with a massive challenge, but I have always been positive I could overcome it," he told Rovers' official website.

"The will has always been there but, in the end, it has not proved realistic.

"I didn't want to be just a footballer.

"I wanted to play at Premier League level twice a week. It's clear now that's not possible, and I have a responsibility to myself, my family and my future."

The 33-year-old also played for Rosenborg and Liverpool, and won 73 caps for Norway.