Craig Brewster will call time on one of the longest playing careers in Scottish football history, with the Inverness Caledonian Thistle player-manager revealing that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season.
The 41 year-old - who yesterday collected the manager of the month award for December after a run of seven wins from nine matches in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League - has been forced to admit defeat in his recovery from a shoulder injury and the Inverness player-manager also revealed it is unlikely there will be a sentimental final bow before the end of the season.
"By the summer, the boots will be hung up. I'll still train with the players, but I won't play on," said Brewster. "I've had a good career. It started a couple of years ago at Forfar 1985 and I've enjoyed my experiences. But I need an operation on my shoulder. It's not in my thinking to play on, not when I have full faith in these lads.
"I was fortunate to score against Hearts in the 90th minute in my last match before injury, against Gretna. I suppose it couldn't get much better than that, could it?"
Brewster's side travel to take on Hibernian in the Scottish Cup tomorrow, but he is taking nothing for granted with Mixu Paatelainen handed the managerial reins at Easter Road.
Despite Hibs having won just one game in 12 outings, Brewster said: "I don't read too much into Hibs' recent form. There is a fine line between success and failure in cup competitions and it is very much about your performance on the day and who wants it more."
Phil McGuire looks set to be confirmed as an Inverness player ahead of the fourth-round tie against Hibs, with the defender's move from Dunfermline close to being finalised. Graeme Bennett, the Inverness director of football, revealed a nominal fee had been agreed, but added: "We need to get everything done by 5pm Friday to make sure he can play against Hibs."
Marius Niculae was yesterday rewarded with the player-of-the-month award for his free-scoring form and said his ambition now is to feature at this summer's Euro 2008 finals. "If I keep playing well and scoring goals I will be in contention for the friendlies," said the Inverness striker. "My dream is to be at Euro 2008."
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