FORMER City striker Caolan Lavery has announced his retirement at the age of 31 because of injury.

The Canadian-born forward confirmed he is hanging up his boots after being released by Doncaster. Lavery played just 12 games in an injury-hit 18 months in South Yorkshire.

Derek Adams brought Lavery to Valley Parade in August 2021 but he started just five of his 20 appearances with the Bantams.

Lavery netted once for the club – in a 3-1 win at Swindon which also saw Theo Robinson score City’s goal of the season that day.

Caolan Lavery scoring his only City goal at SwindonCaolan Lavery scoring his only City goal at Swindon (Image: Thomas Gadd)

He was released by Mark Hughes at the end of the season and left to join Scunthorpe and then Doncaster.

But a knee injury he suffered soon after signing hampered his progress – and has now forced him to give up the game on medical advice.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Lavery said: "Well, the time has come for me to hang up my boots.

“Due to the knee injury I sustained back in February 2023, my surgeon has advised me to cease playing professional football.

“I did everything in my power to try and get back to doing what I love. Thank you to everyone who has been there along the way.

“The good times and the bad have made me into the person I am today. Good luck to all the boys with their upcoming season and careers."