Former Rangers defender Rob Kiernan has been forced to retire from football aged just 32.

A hip injury has unfortunately resulted in the centre-back having to hang up his playing boots early.

Kiernan played a key role at Ibrox during Mark Warburton's period in Glasgow as the club returned to the Scottish Premiership after he was signed from Wigan.

After Pedro Caixinha's appointment, Kiernan was ultimately shipped out the club to Southend United in August 2017, he then went on to have a spell in the USA with Orange County SC.

Confirming his retirement on Instagram, Kiernan posted: "Unfortunately my hip injury has forced me into retirement earlier than expected and I have to respect my body when it’s talking to me.

"I’ve had some incredible memories, it’s shaped my life and I lived out my childhood dream.

"Thank you to everyone whose contributed and supported me, it’s now time to give back."

Kiernan has started a business with his former Rangers teammate Harry Forrester, Prospect Soccer Academy, which is located in Orange County, California.

The coaching programme aims to deliver "elite coaching for aspiring talent."

Meanwhile, Rangers will write to the Scottish Football Association asking for an explanation as to why Alfredo Morelos’ first-half ‘goal’ at Celtic Park on Saturday was ruled out.

The Gers striker had the ball in the net from a corner but referee Kevin Clancy controversially judged that the Colombian had fouled Hoops right-back Alistair Johnston when it looked like both players were tangling with each other.

The Light Blues went on to lose 3-2 to their Old Firm rivals, who are now 12 points clear of Michael Beale’s side at the top of the Premiership.

Afterwards, Beale, who suffered his first league defeat as Gers boss, said: “If you look at Alfredo’s shirt, it is twisted around his back and I don’t think their player is trying to play the ball, only one player is trying to play the ball.

“There’s a lot going on with the two players but why pick on ours at the moment?

“Kevin sees it there and then. I asked him if it was for a foul on (goalkeeper) Joe Hart and he said it was for a foul by Alfredo, that’s what I am disappointed with.

“The guys in the (VAR) studio are watching it back, all I would ask is if you look at the number on Alfredo’s shirt, who is pulling who?

“One is trying to play the ball, the other isn’t. It was a big decision in the game.”