Former Ipswich Town striker Collin Quaner has been forced to retire due to injury.

The German striker, who was on loan at Town during the first half of 2019, has had to hang up his boots after persistent knee and Achilles issues saw him end his contract with Austrian top flight side Klagenfurt before Christmas.

The 30-year-old arrived at Portman Road on loan from Huddersfield Town in January of 2019, one of a large group of players asked to help Paul Lambert’s men save themselves from relegation from the Championship.

They ultimately failed, with Quaner scoring four goals during his loan stay, including a brace to help beat Bolton and the late winner which secured victory over Leeds United on the final day of the campaign.

He returned to Huddersfield the following season but barely featured for the Terriers, as injury caused issues again, before he signed for St Mirren in Scotland after six months as a free agent.

He scored once in eight appearances before departing in the summer, prior to moving to Austria.

Upon his departure from Town at the end of the 2018/19 season, Quaner said: “We all know that it has been a tough time for everyone and the club...despite all and whatever happens next, for me personally it has been a truly pleasure to have been part of this fantastic club for the last couple of months!

“Another experience made for a lifetime. I’m forever grateful having been a tractor boy and playing for Ipswich Town.

“In all honesty, I have rarely seen such a support and backup from fans even through the toughest times. It was really special!

“To every fan supporting us, to every fan I have personally spoken to and who has shared his or hers words of appreciation with me: I would like to say thank you to every single one of you. I really appreciated it!

“For now I wish the club all the best for the future and for it to be back up, to where it belongs by this time next year! Thank you, big Col.”