Celtic's captain Paul McStay has been forced to retire through injury after 21 years playing football at Celtic Park.

The ankle problem which had threatened to end his career at the beginning of this season has worsened with another stress fracture, and McStay, 32, has decided to stop playing now, rather than risk further, permanent damage.

"This is the day every professional footballer dreads, the day his career is over," McStay said. "I'm delighted with the career I've had at Celtic although disappointed it has been cut short in this way."

No specific incident could be blamed for this final injury, but McStay reflected on the amount of football he has had to play from an early age. He said. "I have been involved at international level since the age of 12 and even when I was at school, I was training for the same time as a full-time profes-sional. Just adding up all the games, I think that could have been the problem."

McStay, who joined Celtic as a boy of 11, made his league debut in the 1981-82 season at Aberdeen and played his final one against Raith Rovers at Stark's Park last month. He has represented Scotland at schoolboy, youth, and under-21 levels, as well as winning 76 senior caps.

It was clearly an emotional day for him. "I have known for about a week that I would have to give up and it has been difficult to come to terms with. I always thought that when the time came to give up playing, I would be able to cope," he said.

"But no matter how well you prepare yourself, it is hard to deal with when you are sitting on your own at home, knowing you will never play again. But my family come first and I could not risk further injury."

McStay paid tribute to everyone who has helped throughout his career, in particular his father, and his affection for and gratitude towards Celtic were his keynotes. "It has been a pleasure and an honour to represent Celtic and Scotland for all these years."

He has discussed the possibility of remaining at Celtic Park, in anything from coaching to the commercial side, but no decision has been taken yet.

"I want to take a little time to think things over. I have had a happy life until now, and I am sure I will have just as happy a one in the years ahead,'' he said.

"I especially want to thank the Celtic supporters for their support and backing through the years. I have always wanted to end my career at Celtic. Now it is and always will be - Paul McStay of Celtic and Scotland."

Celtic chairman Fergus McCann paid tribute to him, saying: "Paul has proudly represented Celtic for his entire playing career. He is one of the last of a generation of players, a one-club man. I, along with many other Celtic supporters, are going to miss watching Paul proudly grace the hooped jersey."

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