Newcastle midfielder Butt considering retirement

Former England midfielder Nicky Butt has admitted this season could be his last as a player.

The 34-year-old, who is out of contract at Newcastle at the end of the campaign, has been a key figure in the Magpies' resurgence in the wake of relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

However, he has found his chances on the pitch limited in recent weeks and as his body starts to feel the effects of a long and distinguished career which has brought him six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League winners' medal, he is considering his future.

That said, the former Manchester United man is in no mood to make snap decisions and is determined to wring every last minute out of what remains of his time as a player.

Butt told the Journal: "I know I haven't got much longer left, so I just want to enjoy playing the game while I can before worrying about what to do once I have stopped.

"I haven't made any decisions about my future yet. I'm just going to take it as it comes. I'm signed until the summer and I will see how I feel then.

"If I'm offered another deal here, I will certainly think about it, but it will depend how I feel. If I feel great, I will carry on; if I don't, that will be that.

"I don't know if the legs have got another season in them yet, but I'm feeling okay at the moment.

"I did start my coaching badges a couple of years ago, but it's been put on hold for now."