O'Neill hangs his boots up

Last updated : 21 October 2003 By Alan Deakin
The 27-year-old Dubliner spoke of his disappointment in a statement on the clubs official website, www.ccfc.co.uk: "As you can imagine, I feel robbed of my best footballing years, but I have been lucky enough to live out a dream for the last ten.

"I have also been fortunate enough to work alongside the world’s best players and managers. That has been a great honour.

"I wish Coventry City every success for the future and am sorry that I have not been able to contribute greatly over the last couple of years. For that, I can only apologise.

"I would like to thank my family, girlfriend and all my friends who have been so supportive, sharing my highs and enduring my lows.

"And finally, I retire content that I have had the opportunity to play football for the greatest nation in the world."