Darren McGregor is ready for Hibs retirement talks after admitting: 'I would struggle to see myself playing for anyone else.'
The veteran defender, who turns 37 in August, still has one-year left on his current deal at Easter Road.
But admits playing is getting more difficult.
McGregor - who also had spells at Rangers and St Mirren - would love to the opportunity of a coaching role at Hibs and the chance to help the next generation make the big breakthrough.
Speaking about his future, McGregor told the Daily Record: “I have a year left but I’m not naive - I’m 37 in August. It is getting harder.
“I don’t want to block the pathway for younger guys coming up.
“I will need to have a conversation with the powers that be whether I can transition into something else.
“If I wasn’t playing for Hibs I would struggle to see myself playing for anyone else.
“If there was an opportunity to transition here into coaching I would love to look into that.
“I have been here a long time and loved every minute of it and I would do anything for this club.
“Whatever capacity they see me in then I would be keen to take it.
“If someone said to me when I had a proper job at 24 that I would still be playing now after winning the Scottish Cup with Hibs at 30 I would not have believed them.
“I have a different career path to a lot of boys. At 18 I was still playing for Leith Athletic then went to Cowdenbeath, Arniston Rangers, Cowdenbeath again, then St Mirren, Rangers and now Hibs.
“I have learned a lot but from a personal point of view and what I have been through and how hard I have worked and the adversity I have faced while squeezing every bit of ability, I think I have had a decent career.
“I would love to pass that on to younger guys and try to help develop them to be the next Hibs players.”
David Gray was installed as interim boss at Hibs following Shaun Maloney's sacking.
The 34-year-old's transition from a player to coach has been an inspiration for McGregor.
And he is in no doubt his pal will land the top job in Leith one day.
He said: “He’s definitely given me inspiration. He’s done a tremendous job.
“I’ve got no doubt in my mind that in the future he’ll definitely become a Hibs manager.
“He’s still learning. He’ll say that himself.
“But in six or seven months he’s taken the reins twice. Fair play to him.
“Watching him do his stuff does give me the motivation and inspiration to be the best that I can be in whatever I close to be.
“I’d 100 per cent like him to stay part of it. He gets the club and understands the players.
“I think any manager coming in, David could be a definite asset in terns of his rapport with the guys, what he’s achieved here and his work ethic which is second to none.”
