Horlock retires from international football

Manchester City midfielder Kevin Horlock has decided to end his international career with Northern Ireland.

Manchester City midfielder Kevin Horlock has decided to end his international career with Northern Ireland.

The 30-year-old withdrew from Sammy McIlroy's squad to play in Armenia on Saturday for family reasons.

Horlock, capped 30 times, made his debut in 1995 against Latvia and had been an ever present since.

He told the club's official website: "It is with regret I announce my retirement from international football. This has been a difficult decision to make and one which I have taken after due discussion with my family.

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"I wish to stress this decision has been made for family and personal reasons alone. I feel very proud to have represented Northern Ireland over the past 10 years and I have the greatest respect for the coach Sammy McIlroy, his back-room staff and my team-mates," his statement said.