Martin Laursen has announced his retirement from international football.

The Danish star has decided the time is now right to concentrate on his career in claret and blue.

Laursen said: "The main reason behind the decision was the fact that I don't think it is physically possible for me to play international as well as domestic football.

"This was a very difficult decision. I love playing for my country but I just felt the time was right to focus on my career in England with Villa."

Martin O'Neill added: "It has undoubtedly been a difficult decision for Martin to make.

"He has loved playing for his country. But his club future has now become very important considering his history of knee problems."