PAUL McGRATH intends to carry on playing despite being told he will not be retained by Derby County after this season.

Derby have decided not to renew the short term contract signed by McGrath when he moved from Aston Villa in a £100,000 deal in October.

Derby feel the Republic of Ireland's most capped player has no part to play in the long term development of the club at the age of 37 although he has made 24 appearances this season.

But McGrath, who played a key part in preserving Derby's Premiership status, insists it is not time just yet to bring downs the curtain on a distinguished career.

He said: "I would have loved to have played for another season at Derby County and I will always be grateful for the chance they gave me to play, first team football again. But I will be trying to get another contract. I will still look to keep going as a player."

McGrath impressed sufficiently this season to earn an international recall for the friendly against Wales.

In recent weeks he has been used more sparingly by manager Jim Smith and, in addition to his well documented knee problems, he has been troubled by an Achilles injury and having to play on hard ground.