VETERAN Morton defender Brian McLean is mulling a move into coaching once he decides to hang up his boots.

The 35-year-old, whose Cappielow contract was recently extended, has used the Covid-19 lockdown to broaden his skills, with one eye on the future.

The one time Northern Ireland cap has plans to carry out his ‘A’ licence coaching qualifications this summer.

McLean told the Tele: “I’m really interested in coaching after football, whether that be part-time or full-time.

“There is a limited number of jobs out there just now that you can get into.

“I was going to do my ‘A’ licence this summer until the virus hit, so that’s scuppered that until next year.

“It’s always good to have your badges because you never know what could happen.

“I’ve done a few sessions already with [former Rangers defender] Steven Smith’s academy which has been great.

“I wouldn’t rule anything like that out once I hang my boots up, because it is something that I really do enjoy.”

The three month lay-off from football has left many players acutely aware of the nature of their relatively short career.

McLean says it is so important that pros look ahead, highlighting the forward-thinking of team-mate and Ton stalwart Chris Millar as a good example.

He said: The Covid-19 lockdown has hammered home the realism factor of it all.

“Your playing career could end at the snap of a finger.

"Players could be out there applying for jobs soon, so it’s reiterated how much they need to plan ahead for the future.

“The PFA have been great in offering a variety of different courses and I was able to take part in a football management one last year.

“I know other players are doing IT classes, Spanish courses and Bob McHugh who’s just left us was doing his gas engineering certificate.

“You just need to look in our dressing room - Chris Millar is a fully qualified personal trainer and he’s got his journalism degree as well – he’s a great example of planning ahead.

“One thing that’s stuck with the younger players during the coronavirus crisis is that their time in the game won't last forever and there needs to be a life after football.

“I just hope other players are taking the necessary steps to have that bit of security behind them come the end of their careers."