Scotland defender David Weir is looking to celebrate his 40th birthday preparing for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.
The Rangers defender, 38, has become something of a fire-fighter for Scotland boss George Burley, coming in to the squad for emergencies such as Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Norway at Hampden.
Weir is set to partner Celtic defender Gary Caldwell in the absence of his Hoops team-mate Stephen McManus who is suspended after being sent off against Iceland in Reykjavik last month.
The former Hearts and Everton defender is happy enough with his role under Burley but is still hoping to join the list of forty-somethings such as Italy keeper Dino Zoff, England keeper Peter Shilton and Cameroon striker Roger Milla who have appeared in the World Cup finals.
Asked if he could see himself still playing at 40, Weir replied: "I don't see why not. I really don't see why I should start putting a ceiling on things.
"The 2010 World Cup would be a great target, of course, I would love that but why put barriers up or have an end point?
"I have always said I will play as long as I can and I'll make myself available for as long as I can.
"As long as someone keeps picking me, I'll keep turning up.
"I'm enjoying it, even if people keep telling me how old I am and how I don't have long left!
"I just play it as I see it, taking things week by week or day by day rather than thinking about next season."
Weir is glad that his peculiar arrangement with Burley means he no longer has to occupy the bench during international games.
He said: "The manager has said to me there is no point bringing me in if I am not going to play and I understand that, I have no problem with that.
"I want to play but you can't expect to play for every manager and always be a first choice, that's not how the game operates.
"All I can do is go back to my club, play well and try to influence the situation.
"I think if all the lads were honest, they would want to play if they are in the international squad.
"Being away for a long time and not playing is difficult.
"But everyone goes through that in their career, very few start straight away and stay in the team. You serve your apprenticeship.
"I've been around a bit longer though, so I can understand and appreciate the manager's decisions on these things."
