Jim Ervin still in love with the game like fellow thirty-something Ronaldo

The fact that Ronaldo continues to perform to such a high level at 36-years-old proves the importance of looking after yourself and playing with a smile on your face.

Playing at the top level late on in your career is not a new phenomenon in the Irish League.

In recent years the likes of Noel Baillie, Glenn Ferguson, Winkie Murphy and Steven Douglas all played into their late thirties and beyond.

Now there’s another former Linfield man who is heading in the same direction.

Jim Ervin has experienced it all in his 17-year career in the Irish League.

From winning every honour in the game to battling back from two cruciate ligament injuries.

It’s a mark of the man that despite being in his 36th year he still has the hunger and desire to keep going and achieve even more.

A summer move to Carrick Rangers brought to an end his seven-year spell at Ballymena United and saw him link up with former Blues teammate Stuart King.

But this was no old pals’ act with Ervin coming to wind down his career, on the contrary the experienced defender was coming to Carrick to make a difference after being impressed with King’s vision for the club.

“I go a long way back with Stuartie (King) and have had a lengthy conversation with him,” said Ervin.