Since his 999th game - he scored for Walsall in a 1-0 win at Gillingham in April - he has maintained a three-sessions-a-day training programme alongside media work which includes the Guardian's scouting report.

"I made my debut here 22 years ago and it's great to be back," the 40-year-old said. "It's not a gimmick. I want to play well and stay here as long as I can. You only give up football if you're injured or fed up, and I love the game."