Ex-Celtic kid James Keatings takes a break from football, insists it's not retirement

Former Celtic and Hamilton Accies striker James Keatings is taking a break away from the game as he looks to forge a career outside of the game.

But the 30-year-old insists it's not a retirement move, just an attempt to take a hiatus from the game.

Keatings, who was on loan at Accies from Celtic in 2012 and signed for them permanently before moving to Hearts in 2014, returned to New Douglas Park for the 2018-19 season, scoring once in 17 games.

He was most recently at Montrose, on loan from Raith Rovers, but has left both clubs due to 'niggling injuries'.

In a social media post, Keatings, from Wishaw, said: "Would like to thank everyone at Montrose for the opportunity this season and also looking after me, a great club with top class people.

"Unfortunately I couldn't give more due to a couple of niggles.

"After some chats with Raith, we came to an agreement that it was best for me to leave the club. I would like to wish all the lads all the very best for the rest of the season.

"I am taking some much-needed time away from football to spend with my family and to work on a new career I have started away from football.

"This isn't retirement, this is a break for me. I shall see what next season brings.

"Thanks to everyone who has reached out the last couple of days, much appreciated."

Keatings also turned out for Hibs, Dundee United and Inverness Caledonian Thistle during a lengthy career.

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