DARREN Peacock has been forced to retire from football.

The former Newcastle man was knocked unconscious after receiving a serious blow to the neck while playing on loan for Wolverhampton Wanderers against Fulham at Craven Cottage earlier this season.

And the 32-year-old defender has decided to hang up his boots after doctors warned that his long-term health could suffer if he continued to play.

"It is very disappointing to say the least," said Peacock, who has been on the transfer list at Ewood since early this summer after falling out of favour when Graeme Souness took over from Brian Kidd.

"It hasn't really sunk in yet and is certainly not how I planned to end my playing career.

"But the medical people left me in no doubt, saying it would be far too risky for me to consider playing again."

Peacock has been looking for a move away from Ewood Park since early this year.

Permanent moves to Portsmouth and Cardiff City have fallen through, reportedly because of the player's wage demands.

He was thought to have been on around £6,000 a week at Rovers and the clubs coming in for him have been unable to match that.

He made around 50 senior appearances for Rovers since his move on a free transfer in June 1998 and Souness expressed his regret at the way the former Newport County, Hereford and QPR player's career has ended.

"We all feel for Darren, a great professional who has given stirling service throughout his career. On behalf of the players and management staff I would like to wish him every success in the future."

Rovers have knocked back a Newcastle United bid to sign Egil Ostenstad on loan.