Veteran midfielder Desiree Scott looks to make a difference on and off the pitch

Desiree Scott jokes she has been trying to retire for years. But the veteran midfielder, who turns 38 on July 31, is still going strong with Ottawa Rapid FC of the Northern Super League.

"New opportunities just keep knocking on my door. So I'm grateful for them," she said. "I had a friend who told me before 'Run 'til the wheels fall off' and I've got about three left on the old vehicle here.

"The perfect full circle to end in a pro league that I've dreamed about and talked about."

Scott called time on her international career May 31 in her hometown of Winnipeg, playing in a 4-1 win over Haiti that saw her earn her 188th cap and cap a distinguished international career that started in February 2010.

In her first appearance for Canada in almost a year, Scott played 90 minutes in what she calls the "perfect sendoff."

"It was truly lovely and they sent me off in the most beautiful way," she added.

Scott had called it quits in October after four seasons with the NWSL's Kansas City Current. But she came out of retirement in January to join Ottawa.

"I am having fun," said Scott. "I wasn't sure what this year was going to bring for me but I've been thoroughly enjoying it and playing a lot more than I anticipated I would and enjoying the ride along the way.."

Going into Thursday's game at AFC Toronto, Scott had played 666 minutes for Ottawa (4-3-2).

WATCH | Scott on leading a new era of Canadian soccer:

Desiree Scott on leading a new era of Canadian Soccer in the NSL

Scott is the oldest outfield player in the NSL, behind only Halifax Tides goalkeeper Erin McLeod, who turned 42 in February.

Kristina Kiss, Ottawa's technical director and a former midfielder who won 75 caps for Canada, initially told the coaching staff they