Aiden McGeady reckons he still has a couple more years in him, despite not knowing where his future will lie beyond this season.
The 36-year-old former Celtic favourite is currently injured amid Sunderland's promotion push but his five year stint at the Stadium of Light could come to an end at the end of the season as his contract expires.
However, McGeady told the Scottish Daily Mail that he would have called time on his career if he didn't think he could still contribute at a high level.
“I want to play on for a couple of years," said the former Republic of Ireland international.
"I don’t even like talking about coaching because if you do, it is as if you are almost nearing the end.
“I know I am 36 and have not got that many years left but I still think with the way that I play, I can do so for a few years.
"It is not just playing for the sake of playing. If I wasn’t able to do what I once could, I would be frustrated.”
Despite his reluctance to call an end to his illustrious playing career, McGeady has been been studying for his UEFA B licence, as well as a Masters degree in sports directorship.
“That’s extremely time-consuming," added the winger.
"It is taking me back to school: essays, reports, presentations. Right out of my comfort zone.
“I don’t know if coaching really appeals to me but I will have the credentials if chances come up.”
McGeady progressed through the youth ranks at Parkhead before bursting onto the scene in the first team under Martin O'Neil in 2004.
He remained in Glasgow until a £9.5 million move to Spartak Moscow followed in the summer of 2010 before he returned to the United Kingdom for stints with Everton, Sheffield Wednesday and Preston North End before being reunited with former boss Simon Grayson at current club Sunderland.
