Scotland defender Gordon Greer on released by Brighton at 35

You would think being released at the ripe old age of 35 would be a shortcut to sleepless nights for any player. It hasn't proved that way for Gordon Greer, though. The defender, currently on Scotland duty, is determined to see only the light after the sun set on his six years at Brighton and Hove Albion the other week.

Scotland defender Gordon Greer is looking for a new club at the age of 35. Picture: Neil Hanna/AFP/Getty Images

“It’s exciting,” said the centre-back. “It is the first time that it has happened to me in my career, the first time I have finished my contract and am waiting to see what’s out there.

“It’s quite exciting. I was surprised by the fact that they never offered me it when we never went up. But at the same time I kind of had the feeling that it was time to move on. I have been there for quite a while and I thought a fresh start would’ve been quite good.

“You never know in football. I wasn’t a signing made by the manager [Chris Hughton]. I was half-surprised to keep the armband and play as many games as I did. When I found myself out of the team I thought: ‘I need to be playing’. I’m not getting any younger. I want to enjoy playing football. I wasn’t enjoying sitting on the bench.”

Greer is enjoying the thought of a new chapter at an age which many might decide to close the book on him. Linked with Aberdeen, the player has no strong thoughts about where his next move will take him. Cryptically, he already thought he had a new club a month ago.

“I was ready to go somewhere and something happened with the manager that closed the door,” he reveals. “Obviously it wasn’t supposed to be so I will continue to wait and see what else is out there. I have got somebody who has been looking after us and I have had a few calls. But at the moment I am just focused on being here and training with the [Scotland] squad [in Malta]. Hopefully I will get a chance to play.”

Not seeing any pitch time in the 1-0 reverse by Italy last Saturday in the first part of their devilishly difficult friendly double-header with which they are ending the season allowed Greer to retain his record of never being on the losing side in a ten-cap international career. He can expect a run-out against Euro 2016 hosts France in Metz tomorrow night, which would certainly place his unbeaten record under serious threat.

“You are right there!” Greer said. “It was a tough game the other night. Italy were a good side. I am sure France will be the same, a very good side.

“Hopefully we can put on a decent performance and get something from the game. It would be great if I could keep it going, but it’s not something that’s at the forefront of my mind.

“I just want to go out and play and play well and enjoy it.”