Elvis calls it quits

Pressley: Hanging up his boots

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Falkirk defender Steven Pressley has confirmed he is hanging up his boots.

The 35-year-old is retiring after 19 years as a professional.

The former Rangers, Hearts and Celtic star believes the time is right to quit playing and he is planning to move into coaching.

"To be honest, it was a relatively easy decision for myself and that's why I knew it was the correct time," said Pressley.

"I made the decision several months ago."

Pressley now plans to move into full-time coaching - he is already an assistant to Scotland manager George Burley.

"I would consider all opportunities," he said.

"At this moment in time, I'm studying my UEFA pro-licence."

Pressley started his senior career at Rangers in 1990 and went on to play for Coventry and Dundee United before joining Hearts in 1998.

It was at Tynecastle where he made the most impact, spending eight years there and becoming club captain.

He left controversially at the end of 2006 after he and fellow players Craig Gordon and Paul Hartley publicly criticised majority shareholder Vladmir Romanov.

Pressley joined Celtic for 18 months, helping them win the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Cup double in 2007.

A four-month stint at Danish side Randers late last year was followed by a return to Falkirk, who he helped avoid SPL relegation this season.

Pressley also earned 32 Scotland caps between 2000 and 2006.