Newcastle's Republic of Ireland defender Stephen Carr has announced his retirement from international football.

The 31-year-old full-back, who was capped 44 times at senior international level, has decided to call it a day after the Republic missed out on next summer's Euro 2008 finals.

He told his club's official website, www.nufc.co.uk: "I feel honoured to have represented the Republic of Ireland on 44 occasions and have thoroughly enjoyed my international career.

"It's a chance now for the FAI to re-build for the future. 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."

Republic caretaker manager Don Givens, in charge for Saturday's final European Championship Group D qualifier with Wales at the Millennium Stadium, was complimentary about the right-back.

"Stephen has been a great pro and a great player for us," he said.

"It's always sad when someone retires from international football, and it's sad to see he is going. But it's his decision."