Northern Ireland striker Healy retires

Northern Ireland's record international goal-scorer, David Healy, on Tuesday announced his retirement from professional football. The 34-year-old striker, who scored 36 goals in 95 international appearances, has been without a club since leaving English fourth-tier side Bury at the end of last season. "I don't think too many people will be surprised. I have been without a club for five months," he told BBC Sport. "It's dawned on me that it's time for a new challenge. The career is over and it's time to move on." A former Manchester United youth player, Healy also spent time at Port Vale, Preston North End, Norwich City, Leeds United, Fulham, Sunderland, Ipswich Town, Doncaster Rovers and Scottish giants Rangers. He is best remembered for scoring the winning goal against England in a World Cup qualifier at Belfast's Windsor Park in September 2005, as well as for claiming a hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Spain in qualifying for Euro 2008. Source: AFP