Ireland quits after latest op

Craig Ireland has been forced to retire from playing due to persistent knee problems.

The Falkirk defender has undergone six operations on his knee cartilage and doctors advised the 31-year-old to quit.

Ireland has not featured for The Bairns for over a year and last Wednesday's surgery resulted in him hanging up his boots.

"I had an operation last Wednesday and that's the sixth I've had in total on the same cartilage," Ireland told the Daily Record.

"The doctors said full-time football was out of the question and for the sake of the rest of my life really, I decided to call it a day."

The former Dunfermline and Notts County stopper is keen to stay in the game and has already begun working towards his coaching badges.

"I have a wife and a little boy to look after and need to be out finding work," he added.

"I'd like to stay in the game and I'm halfway through my B coaching licence and at the last bit of my youth licence.

"I'd love it if someone gave me the opportunity but I know there are a lot of good coaches and managers out there seeking work.

"If an opportunity arose I'd jump at it."