Bolton midfielder Gavin McCann retires from football

EPL: Gavin McCann – Steven Gerrard, Liverpool – Bolton Wanderers (PA)

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Bolton midfielder Gavin McCann has retired from football after being sidelined for 16 months with an ankle injury.

The 33-year-old is now moving into coaching and has been offered a role with Bolton’s academy.

McCann, who had one England cap to his name after featuring in a friendly against Spain in 2001, had made over 100 appearances for both Aston Villa and Sunderland after starting his career in 1995 with Everton.

His last game for Bolton was in their 4-2 defeat at Arsenal in January 2010.

“Unfortunately I’ve had to call it a day,” said McCann.

“There are times now when my ankle is sore and aches, and further down the line I will need another operation.”

“I have to give thanks to the staff at Bolton, particularly the club doctor and the gaffer.

“They were accommodating and let me still train and use the facilities at the club as I tried to get back to full fitness, even though my contract had expired.”