NEWCASTLE, England (AP) — Ireland defender Stephen Carr retired from international soccer on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old Carr played 44 times for Ireland after making his debut in 1999. He said he was retiring because Ireland failed to qualify for next year’s European Championship.
"It’s a chance now for the FAI (Irish soccer federation) to rebuild for the future," Carr said. "There are many good young players that are coming out of Ireland, with the likes of Kevin Foley at Wolves, that should get the opportunity to play now."
Carr has spent much of this season at Premier League club Newcastle struggling with a hamstring injury. He last played for Ireland in a 4-0 friendly win over Denmark on Aug. 22.
Ireland plays Wales in a meaningless Euro 2008 qualifier on Saturday.