Reading's John O'Shea has announced he will retire from football at the end of the season after helping the Royals to Championship survival.

The former Manchester United defender has revealed the news on his 38th birthday and ahead of Reading's final match of the season against Birmingham City.

O'Shea has not featured heavily for the Royals this season, having only made eight appearances in the Championship, but he will have been an important presence in the club's survival fight.

The Madejski Stadium outfit looked set for the drop around Christmas, but new boss Jose Manuel Gomes guided the club to safety in the second half of the season.

O'Shea has therefore called time on his career on a positive note after spending 20 years in the game. He started his professional career at Manchester United before joining Sunderland in 2011, and then he made the switch to Reading last summer.

Many Reading fans have sent positive messages to O'Shea following the announcement, with many stating that he should now make a rare appearance for the club in his final professional match.

Here are some of their reactions on Twitter...