Thursday 15 September 2016 11:49, UK
St Johnstone captain Dave Mackay has announced his retirement from football after failing to fully recover from a hip injury.
The 36-year-old has been struggling with the problem ever since he skippered the Perth club to their first major trophy when they claimed the Scottish Cup in 2014.
Although he has been able to play and made his last appearance for the club in January, two operations have not been enough to rectify the issue completely.
Mackay told St Johnstone's official website: "Although the first operation brought about a level of improvement that enabled me to get back playing and feeling fine, there was a gradual deterioration again over a period of time to the extent that I was unable to train.
"A second operation followed which again helped but not to the extent that I feel that I can get back to the fitness levels needed for full-time football.
"The decision hasn't been an easy one but I've had to take into consideration that I don't want to do irreversible damage that affects me away from football.
"I'm only 36 and have a lot of years ahead of me that I don't want to be affected.
"I've probably known in my own mind that this decision had to be made and I'm happy that I've given myself every chance to get back playing but it's not to be."
Mackay will remain involved at St Johnstone in a coaching capacity and has already been working with the club's U20 team.
He added: "I'll obviously miss playing but my decision opens up plenty of other opportunities for me both short and long term and I'm thoroughly enjoying my involvement with the U20s.
"The club has done everything it could have to help in my recovery and I thank them for that and I thank the fans for their support over the past seven years."
