WELSH international Simon Church has retired from football on medical advice at the age of 29.

The striker played for Scunthorpe and Plymouth Argyle in League One this season but injuries have disrupted his progress in the past two campaigns.

Church started his career at Reading in 2007 and made more than 100 appearances for the Royals before joining Charlton Athletic in 2013.

He moved on to MK Dons in 2015 and Dutch side Roda JC Kerkrade a year later where he had surgery on a hip problem.

Born in Amersham in Buckinghamshire, Church qualified for Wales through his Newport grandparents.

He scored eight goals in 15 appearances for Brian Flynn’s under-21s between 2007 and 2010 and won 38 senior caps between 2009 and 2016, scoring five goals.

Church's last cap for Wales came as a substitute in the Euro 2016 semi-final defeat to Portugal.

He made two appearances at the tournament, also coming off the bench in the group game against Russia (below).

South Wales Argus:

“I never thought this day would come but with the medical advice I have received I am now officially hanging up my boots,” he wrote on social media.

“I have been fortunate enough to have lived my dream for 11 years professionally. I have experienced moments you can only dream of when you’re a child.

“I want to thank all the clubs I've been at as well as the fans, players, staff and a handful of managers. I have been lucky enough to meet some amazing people and friends on the way.

“Playing for Wales was an absolute honour. The achievements we had as a team are something I'm immensely proud of being a part of. The group of boys were the best on and off the pitch I have ever been with.”