BLACKBURN defender Stig Bjornebye has been forced to quit professional football.

The former Norwegian international made the heartbreaking decision after finally accepting defeat in his battle to overcome a serious eye injury.

The 33-year-old defender suffered an orbital blow out fracture (fractured eye socket) 11 months ago as a result of a freak training ground accident.

After undergoing two separate operations and months of rehabilitation, he did make a comeback in the first team for a Worthington Cup game against Wigan at the beginning of December.

But he has continued to suffer problems with his vision ever since and finally made the tough decision to quit on medical advice.

Rovers boss Graeme Souness paid this glowing tribute to the courageous defender today: "Ending your career is an enormous blow to anyone but to someone like Stig it is even worse," said Souness.

"He has been as close to the perfect pro as you will ever get. He has looked after himself all his career, always trained properly and always given 100 per cent.

"If young players are looking for a role model, he is as close to perfect as you can get.

"There maybe half a dozen other people I have come across that are up there with him but there is no one better.

"The shame is he could have played longer if it had not been for the freak accident.

"The one thing I do know is that, whatever he does now in his life, he is the type of man that will make a success of it. He is just that kind of person."

Bjornebye admitted it was a tough decision but he had no choice.

"It was a terrible injury and it has been a massive challenge for me but I've always been confident and positive that I could overcome it," he said.

"The will has been there but in the end it has not proved realistic for I wanted to recover not just to play but to play at Premier League level twice a week.

"That hasn't been possible and I have to take the medical advice and be responsible for my family and my future.

"Blackburn Rovers couldn't have done more for me. There isn't a club anywhere that could have been as supportive, and not just the players but the staff at Brockhall, the officials at Ewood and the supporters as well.

"It has been very warm and that has kept me going through what has been a very difficult time."

Bjornebye was one of Souness's first signings when he took over the reins at Ewood and helped the club to promotion from the First Division in his debut season.

He was also part of the triumphant Worthington Cup winning team of last season who delivered Rovers' first major knockout trophy success since 1928.

John Williams, Rovers' chief executive, spoke on behalf of everyone at the club when he added: "It's very sad when any player has to retire through injury and in Stig's case it's particularly disappointing, not least for the fact that he has strived so hard with such determination to get back playing again at the top level.

"He has been a very popular player during his time here and of course we wish him well in whatever he decides to pursue in the future."