Efter konsultation med läkare efter sin höft operation så slutar han sin professionella fotbollskarriär, i alla fall som spelare.

Kieran kom till oss i juli 2002 och blev professionell i augusti 2003. Han tränades i våran ungdomsakademi och spelade regelbundet för reservlaget, där han var kapten i några matcher. Han spelade i reservlaget som vann Barclays Premier Reserve League South 2005-06.

Ett ihärdigt höftproblem hindrade honom att slå sig in i a-lagstruppen och begränsade hans matcher för oss. Det blev 18 tävlingsmatcher i våra färger för 22 åringen. Under sin tid som spelare så var Kieran kapten för Nord Irlands U21 sex gånger. Han spelade även på U14, U16 och U20 nivå.

"I have to say that it has been a real pleasure working with Kieran over the last four or five years since he came through the youth team into the professional ranks," said Development Coach Clive Allen. "He is a player and person that you know every single day, whether training or playing, was 100 per cent committed about everything he did.

"That is why it is so disappointing and sad that he suffered an injury that has curtailed his career. Knowing the lad and the type of person he is, he will do very well in whatever he decides to do.

"We will look to help him in any way we can, but it is with real sadness that I am talking about him like this because I loved the character of the person and his commitment. I have to say that you wouldn't go far wrong if you had 11 of the Kieran McKenna-type in your team.

"He did everything he possibly could to get back but he had to make the decision. He's now moved on, doors will open for him and he will take the opportunities that come his way."

Kieran satsar nu på att bli tränare och vi önskar honom lycka till i framtiden.