Everton defender Sylvain Distin admits retirement is creeping up on him.
But Distin, 33, is determined to push himself harder than ever in training to prevent the ageing process from slowing him down.
He said: "I'm realistic.
"I'm 33, I'm not playing for my country, and the two main guys I compete for my position with are an England international and a Dutch World Cup finalist.
"I can't relax and sit back and rely on my experience. They are top central defenders. I need to work harder if I can.
"I know it won't last forever, although I enjoy it and feel fit. But I know I'm closer to the end than the beginning so I do everything I can to slow down the affects of time."
