A LARGS Thistle Scottish Cup winning hero is preparing to pull on the boots for a return to competitive action - at the sprightly age of 62.

News columnist George Wall is coming out of 'retirement' to play for the club's over-35 side - 27 years after lifting the famous piece of silverware at Ibrox Stadium.

The cultured left back will be the oldest player in the league after former Kilmarnock boss Jim Fleeting, father of Inverclyde Sports Centre principal Barry, called it a day.

The evergreen defender says he can't wait to get back in action - and insists the cut and thrust of the league helps keep him young.

George said: "Football has been in lockdown at amateur and junior level, so it will be great to get back.

"We are hoping to have a bounce game at Inverclyde Sports Centre later this month and then the league will kick off.

"It's good testing yourself against some of the younger lads, it keeps you going."

Largs Thistle over-35s play on Friday evenings at Inverclyde Sports Centre and were enjoying a positive debut season after forming before coronavirus struck

The former IBM worker said: "It was a shame that we were curtailed by the pandemic. We reached the last 16 of the Scottish Cup and finished third in the league, which was a big achievement for the boys.

"It is still very competitive and the camaraderie is excellent. That is what you miss most during lockdown.

"I will be 63 on my next birthday, which falls this summer, so I perfectly understand if I don't get a game some weeks, but I am still happy to do my best and add my experience to the squad.

"I play at left back but I get the opportunity to go up the park and be a tricky winger sometimes - although getting back now is a bit tougher than 40 years ago"

George is no stranger to veterans' football having been an ever present for the Scotland Over 50s international side.

He said: "There as an international competition due for the home nations rescheduled for September and hopefully I can make it again.

" I have been keeping fit playing padel tennis and training. Age is just a number and as long as I feel able and can contribute, I'll keep going."