Paul Gallagher is not ready to hang up his boots yet at Preston North End

Veteran midfielder Paul Gallagher is still eager to prove his worth on the pitch for Preston despite his advancing years.
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The 36-year-old has been limited to just eight appearances for North End this season – with five of them from the start.

Indeed, he has set the wheels in motion for the transition from player to coach and is now part of boss Alex Neil’s backroom staff at Deepdale.

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However, Gallagher is certainly not ready to hang up his boots for good just yet and having signed a new 12-month contract in the summer, is keen to show he still has got what it takes to operate in the Championship.

Veteran PNE midfielder Paul Gallagher (left) in action at Boxing Day opponents Derby in September in the Carabao CupVeteran PNE midfielder Paul Gallagher (left) in action at Boxing Day opponents Derby in September in the Carabao Cup
Veteran PNE midfielder Paul Gallagher (left) in action at Boxing Day opponents Derby in September in the Carabao Cup

The former Scotland international has featured from the start in the last two games and helped Neil’s men battle to a 1-0 win over Bristol City at home on Friday night.

He will be hoping to keep his place in the side for when North End travel to Derby County on Boxing Day.

But just how long does Gallagher – who has now made more than 300 appearances in all competitions for the Lilywhites – think he can go on for?

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“I don’t know,” said Gallagher. “I think that’s the best thing, proving people wrong isn’t it?

“People are always quick to say, ‘Oh he’s gone, he’s finished’. But if you believe in the way that you play – you get older, you get wiser, you let the ball do the running.

“The ball can move quicker than me.

“I have got players around me who help me do my job. They can protect me.

“I’m enjoying playing and we can just see how it all goes. I have enjoyed every season that I have been here.

“The last few years I have played the majority of the games and I feel I have got better with age.”