BURNLEY left-back Stephen Ward has called time on his Republic of Ireland career.

The 33-year-old won 50 caps for his country, starting in 49 of them games, and was on stand-by for Ireland's next two Euro 2020 qualifiers.

The Dublin-born defender thinks now is the right time to stand down for his national team.

"It's with a heavy heart that I have decided to retire from international football," Ward told the club's official website.

"To represent my country has been a dream come true and the biggest honour I could have had.

"To play in a couple of major championships has been the highlight and the night we beat Italy at the 2016 Euros will live with me for the rest of my life.

"I have been very proud to have played a part in those achievements and I feel this is a good time to move on.

"There are a lot of good young players and new talent coming through and I wish all of them, Mick and the staff all the best for the future.

"I'd like to thank everyone – managers, players, backroom staff I've worked with and the supporters – and say it was a pleasure to work with each and every one of them."

Ward made his international debut in 2011 and helped Ireland reach the finals of the European Championships in both 2012 and 2016.

McCarthy, who gave Ward his start in English football when he brought him from Bohemians to Wolverhampton Wanderers, initially as a forward, in 2007, said: “I'm kind of sad that I don't get to work with him with Ireland, but he's made his decision and I can understand it.

“He has had 50 caps and he can retire being proud of that achievement. I'm really proud to have worked with him because he was a really good player for me and for Ireland."