Retired striker Sam Vokes has admiration for Garath McCleary’s longevity after the winger gets another season at Gillingham

Retired striker Sam Vokes saluted his mate and weekend match-winner Garath McCleary for having the stamina to go on for another season with the Gills.

Vokes, 36, called it a day on Saturday after 751 matches for clubs from the Premier League down to League Two, finishing an impressive career with Gillingham.

He joined the Gills last summer, along with Garath McCleary, having both spent the previous four seasons playing together at Wycombe Wanderers.

While Vokes is hanging up his boots and considering his next step, McCleary is staying on at the Gills after the club exercised the option to extend the winger’s contract for another season. He turns 39 in the middle of this month.

Vokes said: “I'm bowing out at 36, but he's still going very strong. He's 39 in a couple of weeks. So I take my hat off to him.

“He's got another year [at Gillingham], obviously. I'm sure he'll be welcomed back with open arms at Priestfield next year because when he's been fit this year, he's contributed very well.

“He’s a good mate of mine, and I look forward to coming back and watching him and the rest of them at some point next year.

“Garath's a good example for the young lads here. He's still going strong as we saw [on Saturday].”

Vokes admitted it has been tough to stay in good condition after a long career.

He said: “It takes a toll on your body day in, day out. It's not just what the fans see at three o'clock on a Saturday. It's four or five training days in the gym and working hard.

“As you get older, you have to look after that more as well. You have to work harder to keep that up and keep your fitness.”

Vokes admitted that the Priestfield send-off brought a tear to his eye.

This past season with the Gills was his last in professional