One more year at the Cobblers? McCormack has no plans to retire just yet

As he nears the end of his 17th season in the professional game, and with injuries totting up, you might think Alan McCormack is contemplating retirement.

The veteran midfielder turned 36 in January and has endured another stop-start campaign, one blighted by regular trips to and from the treatment room.

And yet the fire still burns brightly. Out of contract with the Cobblers this summer, the idea of retirement seems a long way from his mind.

"Yes, definitely," replied McCormack when asked if he plans to continue for another season

"I've loved it here. The dressing room is superb and all the staff and players get on with each other.

"It's been a great mix and I've enjoyed coming into something new and learning something new.

"I'm doing my coaching badges so I'm always learning and keeping that option open because it's something I might go and do.

"At the moment I still want to play and I still love that feeling on Saturday - there's no job out there that can compare to waking up on a Saturday when it's game day.

"It's just an unreal feeling when you score a goal and the crowd roars or you make that tackle. There's still too much fire left inside me."

Manager Keith Curle is not short of options in central midfield but McCormack is still good enough, and certainly has the experience, to be a guaranteed starter when fit, even if Scott Pollock, half his age and with 500 fewer senior appearances, is snapping at his heels.

"I still feel good and still feel I can compete with the younger boys of today's game," he added. "I'm itching to go out and play every Saturday and will be until I lose that feeling.

"I'm still eager to play and I'm still eager to win."

While continuing for another year seems certain though, he's yet to make up his mind where that might be.

"I'm enjoying it but I won't be planning next season or anything just yet," he added. "I'll just be planning on getting us promoted."