Former Bolton striker Kevin Davies announces retirement

The 38-year-old former England striker left Preston over the summer when his two-year contract expired after leading them to promotion to the Sky Bet Championship last season following a career which saw him score 150 goals in 820 appearances.

He posted on his Twitter account on Friday a photograph of a pair of hanging football boots with the words: "It's been emotional. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way #22seasons."

Davies began his career in the Sheffield United academy before making his professional debut for Chesterfield in 1993, with two stints at Southampton either side of a spell at Blackburn.

The Sheffield-born forward then made the move to Lancashire neighbours Bolton, where he enjoyed a 10-year stay as he racked up more than 350 appearances and scored 74 goals. From there Davies joined North End in his last career move.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: "I could probably physically do another season but I just feel it's the right time.

"I'll look back with immense pride for the last 22 years."

In 2010, Davies - a t 33 years and 200 days - became the oldest England debutant since 38-year-old Leslie Compton in 1950 when he came on as substitute in a Euro 2012 qualifying game against Montenegro, his only cap.

Davies says the call-up was the high point of his career, adding: "I'd been in so many of those long squads and on stand-by I never thought it would quite come.

"To get the call at 33, it was just an amazing week for myself. I just loved every minute, travelling down, the training and getting on to the pitch.

"It wasn't a great game, to get on the pitch and represent my country was the pinnacle."