REACHING a landmark of 500 professional appearances is a milestone that Kelty Hearts favourite Joe Cardle “never thought” he’d reach.

But, now that the former Pars hero has, he’s determined to continue to rack up the games moving forward – and hopes he’ll have another league winner’s medal to go with it.

Cardle, who turned earlier this month, hit the impressive tally during the recent League Two win over Elgin City, and made it 501 during last Saturday’s Scottish Cup, fifth round exit at Premiership St Mirren.

From beginning his career at Port Vale, to two separate spells with Dunfermline, and time with Airdrie, Raith Rovers, Ross County, AFC Fylde and Partick Thistle before a summer move to New Central Park, Cardle has plenty to look back on with pride.

He’s won the First Division (Championship) and League One with the Pars; the latter with Partick last season; and the Challenge Cup, now the SPFL Trust Trophy, twice, with Airdrie and Raith respectively.

Speaking to Press Sport about his personal achievement, Cardle, who also runs his own football academy in the town while playing part-time with Kelty, said: “I never thought I’d see the day but there’s obviously a lot of hard work goes into still be playing at my age, and the amount of games I’ve played.

“I’m just relishing playing and still being a professional football player at my age, and enjoying going out and playing every Saturday at three o’clock.

“I remember when I was a young boy and there was a player at Port Vale who had just done it. I was just making my debut at the time, and thinking about 500 games back then, it’s a lot.

“I’ve had some great times as a professional and hopefully I’ve got a few more to go in the next wee while. Another 100 would be nice; you never know!

“When you look back, obviously I’ve got my medals. When you’ve won the league title – twice at Dunfermline, and at Partick Thistle – they always seem to stand out, those special seasons when you’ve won a league title.

“To add another league title to my career would be a massive achievement. That is the plan; that’s what we want to do. We’ve made a great start and we’ve just got to continue on the fine form that we’ve had so far.

“The boys’ attitudes are unbelievable. It’s a joy to go in every Tuesday and Thursday night, and play with them on a Saturday, because the boys obviously want to push on in their careers.”