Hamilton forward Dougie Imrie aims to be playing into his 40s

The Accies forward - who turned 34 on Thursday - will kick-off his 12th campaign as a full-time professional on Sunday when his side face Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Imrie was a late-comer to the senior ranks after starting his career with junior outfit Lanark United but he remains a key figure for Hamilton boss Martin Canning.

The former Clyde, Inverness and St Mirren man missed just three leagues games last term as the Lanarkshire outfit battled to Ladbrokes Premiership safety and says he is as fit as any of Canning's youngsters.

Now Imrie has revealed he hopes to help Accies keep their top-flight place this seasom so he can extend his own stay in the Premiership towards his 40th birthday.

He said: I feel as fit as ever so pre-season doesn't really bother me too much.

Retirement has never really crossed my mind. I aim to play as long as I can and, touch wood, I don't pick up any serious injuries.

I don't feel any older and I never find that I struggle in training either. Yeah we have a lot of young boys in the squad but I'm probably one of the fittest in the team.

Hopefully the club can keep its place in the Premiership again this season and I can play in the top league for as long as I can.

Could I still be playing at 40? So long as the manager doesn't decide my old legs are running out on me why not?

I just want to keep enjoying myself. For me, this is a hobby that I get paid to do. While I'm playing against the best players in Scotland it's a no-brainer for me, I see no reason to say I'm coming to the end of my career just yet.'

• superscoreboard