Former Town captain Matt Holland has announced his retirement from international football. The 31-year-old made 49 appearances for the Republic of Ireland, for whom he qualifies via his grandmother.

Holland, who scored Ireland's equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Cameroon in the 2002 World Cup, says he took his time before making his decision: "I'd near enough made up my mind when I walked off the pitch after the Switzerland game.

"Steve Staunton tried to talk me out of it but the time is right to quit.

"I was wrapped up in the disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup, so I had to give it a while before finalising my decision.

"Steve said I still had another campaign in me and that he wanted me around for the European qualifiers, but this is the right decision.

"I have to think about the future and what's right for me. I'm 32 in April and want to carry on playing for Charlton as long as possible.

"Not playing international football and all it entails can only help me achieve that."

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