Stewart Downing will consider whether to continue playing or hang up his boots and move into coaching after his departure from Rovers was confirmed.

Downing made his final appearance for the club as a substitute in the final day win over Birmingham City at Ewood Park.

That was his 62nd appearance for Rovers, but he started just twice in his 19 appearances in 2020/21 after returning to the club in November.

He had initially signed for Rovers in June 2019 and became a key member of the side in that season, featuring in every matchday squad up until the final day defeat at Luton Town.

Downing, who turns 37 in July, played in a variety of positions and was a runner-up in the player of the season vote in 2020/21 but only returned to the club in November after the one-year deal he had initially signed expired.

During last summer when Downing was without a club, he spent time working with the Rovers Academy and has been part of the Under-23s backroom team for the final two matches of their season.

Capped 35 times by his country, Downing has enjoyed a distinguished career that has seen him clock up 725 appearances. More than 400 of those have been with his boyhood club Middlesbrough, also representing Liverpool, West Ham and Aston Villa, as well as England.

Downing is understood to be keen on a move into coaching, and it remains to be seen whether a position will be available within the Rovers ranks for him to move into. Before then, he will see if there are any offers for him to continue playing.