Shamrock Rovers' defender Barry Ferguson has been forced to retire from playing due to a serious hip injury.

The 29-year-old signed from Dublin rivals Bohemians before the start of the 2007 season. His previous clubs include Longford Town and Coventry City.

Hoops' chairman, Jonathan Roche says: "This is a very difficult time for Barry, and it was obviously very disappointing for him to discover he would have to retire.

"Under the circumstances we sat down with him and quickly came to an agreement to terminate his contract by mutual consent and with immediate effect.

"Barry contributed greatly to Shamrock Rovers over the past two years, and had a distinguished career in football. It's a great pity it has been cut so short."

Ferguson spent the second half of the 2008 on loan from Rovers to Sporting Fingal and currently works as a Development Officer with the FAI.