VETERAN striker Steve McGavin has played the last game of his career. McGavin, 37, had announced he would retire at the end of the season, but suffered a serious injury...

VETERAN striker Steve McGavin has played the last game of his career, writes Michael Emons.

McGavin, 37, had announced he would retire at the end of the season, but suffered a serious injury during Bury Town's disappointing FA Vase semi-final defeat against Hillingdon Borough.

He was substituted in the 47th minute of yesterday's game after he ruptured a tendon in his foot to bring to an end a fine career that included a spell at Birmingham City.

“It's an injury I have had before and when I landed I knew I had done it,” said McGavin.

“That will be it and I will be out for the season. This will be my last game and it's a horrible way to go.

“I don't know how it will be in a week but I had it before and it was a long term injury.

“Next season I won't be involved at all because I'm moving out of the area so this is the end for me playing football altogether.”

A semi-final victory would have given McGavin the perfect opportunity to end his career on a high, especially as the final will be played at St Andrews, Birmingham's home ground.

“When I sit down I will be really disappointed because I really wanted to get there,” added McGavin.

“It would have been great for me and everyone at the club but it has not worked out.

“Sometimes that's football and you have to take it on the chin.

“I'm not worried about me but disappointed for the young lads as I know how much they would have enjoyed the final.

“They are a great set of players and there is not one bad lad among them.

“Semi-finals are horrible to lose but over the two legs we did not do ourselves justice.

“Fair play to Hillingdon they battled very hard and showed the desire and that has won them their place in the final.

“Wilks (Bury manager Richard Wilkins) was very upset about the way we approached the two games.

“He questioned our desire and was right to do so.”

McGavin believed the rest of this season would show what the young Bury side is made of.

He added: “We have got to show a lot of character.

“If we do not win anything this season then it will be a massive disappointment.”