BBC Sport Online: Football: Teams: St Johnstone

Kernaghan sets retirement date

The 33-year-old has suffered with a pelvic problem - which has needed three operations - for the last four years.

Now the former Republic of Ireland international concedes that the time will be right to step down next year.

"I can play games but the stiffness is always there," said Kernaghan.

"I've decided that after next season I will retire. It might even be sooner than that if no club offers me a contract for next season.

"It's a decision I have made with regret but, at least, I can say to myself that I've played first-team football at a good level since I was 16. I have had a decent career.

"But I would rather have decided on my own to stop playing rather than have my body decide for me."