Defender Mark Clyde won two caps for Northern Ireland

Clyde, who won two international caps under Lawrie Sanchez in 2004, has been battling against serious ankle and knee injuries for the last two years.

He missed the whole of last season, and a brief return this term came to an end in August when he sustained a shin injury against Preston.

"I have come to the decision that enough is enough," said Clyde.

"This has been going on now for more than two years. I talked it through with the club's physio and the doctor, and they were on the same wavelength.

"It is not going to go away if I carry on. But if I quit, and stop training every day, then there is a chance Iwill not be as aware of the symptoms."

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy expressed his sympathy for the player.

"It is a sad day for Mark and for the club, because we are losing a good player," he said.

"He is a young lad to be taking this step, but I admire him for it. It is a brave thing he is doing, but he has made up his mind that he is not going to sit around injured and is going to go on and do something else.

"He is an absolutely smashing lad, and everyone at the club wishes him well."