The 30-year-old, heralded as a major reason behind Everton’s exceptional start to the Premiership season, had informed Brian Kerr in April that he would not be available for selection, and he announced this week that he would be casting his decision in stone.
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The former Derby County, Blackburn Rovers and Coventry City man said: “When the lads go on international duty, I don’t miss going. That probably means it is time to call it a day, not least because it is benefiting me here at Everton.
“I am not missing training and I am not getting up at silly hours to get planes after internationals. Taking a break from international football has given me a chance to get the right kind of rest and do the right training.”