Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper Alan Mannus said that he is not thinking about retirement and is enjoying his football with the League of Ireland champions.
Despite being 38 years old, the Hoops stopper said that he is still learning the game under Rovers manager Stephen Bradley who has his side playing with style and confidence.
And that all starts from the back with goalkeeper Mannus expected to be comfortable on the ball, utilising his defence to work the ball out from the back - a tactic that was even employed in the Europa League defeat to AC Milan earlier this season.
"I am enjoying my football. It's one of the times I’ve most enjoyed playing, with the style we try to play with, the possession game," said Mannus.
"It’s different for me, playing with this style for the last two years, it’s something I’m still learning and trying to get better at. And as a team we are still trying to improve. But it’s certainly one of the most enjoyable times I have had on the pitch in terms of playing the way we do.
And the former Northern Ireland international has been rewarded for his form this season as he was named the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Association of Ireland Goalkeeper of the Year for 2020.
The Hoops stopper won the award ahead of Sligo Rovers' number one and Ireland Under-21 international Ed McGinty and Dundalk's Gary Rogers, who has announced his retirement from the game.
Mannus helped Rovers to a near flawless season as the Hoops remained unbeaten en route to winning their 18th league title, while also reaching the final of the FAI Cup.
"I remember 10 years ago when I joined Shamrock Rovers and started in this league, I remember thinking the standard here gave a level to which I could aspire," said Mannus, who also won the award ten years ago.
"There was a different bar to be reached compared to what I had been used to. And obviously I went away a few years ago and came back again but the standard of goalkeepers has remained so high.
"When you see some of the performances this year, for example Mark McGinley at Finn Harps. Some of his saves were unbelievable, as were his performances.
"And then Gary Rogers as well, he's been a top class goalkeeper in this country for the last ten years. I just want to wish him all the best with his retirement."
And while Rogers has bowed out, Mannus, who is two years shy of turning 40, admits that the thoughts of hanging up his gloves are not on the immediate radar.
"I'm 38 and I still think I can go for another two years, five years, ten years, I don't know!
"I'll go another year and see how it goes. I’m really enjoying it, I still feel really good and the club have been really good in looking after me now."
