FORMER Claret Graham Alexander has admitted he is ready to retire from professional football, after 22 years in the game and more than 1,000 senior appearances.

Alexander, who received the PFA Merit Award in recognition of his services to the game, reached the rare footballing milestone in his last season with Burnley.

The Scotland international returned to Preston North End in summer. But a hamstring injury has kept him sidelined since December, and he admits he is now focusing on the next part of his career.

“I’ve had some fantastic times (at Preston) and then made the short trip across to Burnley, where I was part of a promotion-winning team and managed to play in the Premier League,” said the 40-year-old, who made 178 appearances for the Clarets after being signed by Steve Cotterill in August 2007.

“It was such a thrill to come back to Preston last summer. It’s sad that it’s over, but I played my last game at Deepdale and scored again at Deepdale.

“I’ve had a fantastic time in the north west. It’s been a major part of my career and my life.

“But obviously my playing days are over and I just want to get on with the other side of my career, which is helping players to improve and helping to win games.”