PAUL McGRATH was appraising his dwindling career prospects over the weekend, following the disclosure that he will not be back with Derby County at the start of the new season.

In spite of Jim Smith's show of ingratitude for the job the Irishman performed in keeping Derby in the Premiership, McGrath believes that even at 37, he can eke another season out of his career.

For all the doubt born of his age and a long history of injury problems, he showed during his seven months at the Baseball Ground that he is still capable of summoning some convincing performances on days when it matters most.

Equally, it has to be said that his chances of staying in the top flight have receded sharply following his rejection first by Ireland and now Derby.

And significantly, the initial reaction to McGrath's situation, came not from the Premiership but from Tranmere Rovers. That John Aldridge would be the first to show interest, was a reasonable bet for, in more than 60 international appearances, he had good reason to appreciate McGrath's qualities of skill and power.