ANDY MILLEN should be making the most of his first opportunity in over 25 years to miss out on pre-season training - but the St Mirren assistant manager just couldn't stop himself from bursting a gut as the Love Street club return to business.

The 43-year-old has pounded the beat every summer since kicking off his pro career all those years ago at St Johnstone, before spells at Alloa, Hamitlon Accies, Hibs, Raith Rovers, Ayr United, Morton and Clyde eventually led him to Paisley.

So after deciding to hang up his boots, you'd have thought Millen would be looking forward to standing side-by-side withmanager Gus MacPherson and watch his old first team-mates work up a sweat at Bellahouston Park.

However, Millen isn't your run-of-the-mill footballer. In May 2007, he broke Jim Leightons' record for the oldest player to play in the SPL.

And he turned out in his last top flight game against Hearts at the end of last season at 42 years and 279 days.

And the fact he is putting himself through more punishing sessions - and still looking much fitter than the vast majority of the Saints squad - is testament to how well Millen has looked after himself over the years.

"I actually reported back for pre-season training two pounds lighter," he smiled. "I continued to work on my fitness over the summer and was out running when I was away on a family holiday. I enjoy training and keeping myself in shape.

"And even although I'll no longer be playing first-team football, I still wanted to get stuck into the pre-season training. I'm still playing to play for the reserves as often as possible as I want to help the younger players.

"I feel I can coach them better when I'm beside them in a game situation.

"I've always enjoyed trying to help younger players the same way as seasoned professionals helped me when I was a kid. So that's one of the reasons I'm doing pre-season again. That's us done a couple of sessions this week so far and it's been good."

And if further proof of Millen's dedication is required, the fact he reported to Love Street on Monday morning after just stepping off a flight home from holiday only backs up MacPherson's belief he is assisted by an ultimate pro.

"I landed in Glasgow around 7am and it was another 20 minutes or so before we collected our luggage, got through customs and reached the car," explained Mullen. "So by the time we got home, I was back out again to meet up with Gus and head to the stadium."

Millen is not the type to look for praise for that level of dedication. It comes naturally to him.

His level of enthusiasm is what you would expect from someone just starting out in the game - not a guy with a quarter of the century worth of experience decorating his CV.

But despite his pride at playing on until the age he has, Millen felt it was best to quit at the end of last season.

He explained: "It was around March that I made my mind up to retire from top flight football.

"I spoke things over with my wife and I just felt it was the most sensible decision to hang up the boots and focus more on my coaching role now.

"But at least I'll still be able to play football with the reserves...I think I'd miss it too much not playing at all."