The road to recovery for classy Renfrew midfielder Chris Cameron came to a shuddering halt on Tuesday night when he pulled up during a pre-season training session after feeling discomfort and twinges of pain from his knee which underwent re-construction surgery in early April.

And now the one-time St Peters Under 21’s talent who stepped up to the Junior ranks with Neilston all of 12 years ago and went on to play with no little accomplishment at Renfrew, Glenafton, Neilston (once more ), Bellshill Athletic and again with Renfrew has reluctantly decided to call it quits on his playing career rather than risk permanent damage .

Frew boss Colin Clark still winces when he recalls the cruciate ligament tear sustained by the 33-year-old during an early September clash with Larkhall Thistle which curtailed Cameron’s contribution to his side’s Central First Division title win last season to a mere handful of games .

He said: "It was a crunching challenge and we knew right away it was a bad injury as Chris was never one to lie down unless he physically couldn’t get back up.

“That injury ended his season but he might not have pulled the midfield strings for us but nobody can ever deny he more than deserved his medal for the influence he exerted around the dressing room both on training nights and match days.

“He earned the respect of everyone connected with Renfrew Juniors for the way he made light of his own problems to focus on the team.”

Speaking last night, the far from devastated player said: "Since the surgical procedure , I have been back training with the guys.

"However, my knee feels nowhere near as strong as I want it to be if I’m to get back to my previous playing levels.

“And I met up last month with the surgeon who carried out my operation and he strongly advised I call time on my playing days due to my cruciate being in such a poor state so I have been left with no real choice.

“It’s disappointing but I have to bite the bullet and be honest with myself because deep down I would not be doing myself or the team any justice out on the park, as well as potentially risking long term damage.

Chrissy recalled: “I followed the team week in week out on their way to the title and was delighted the boys deservedly got over the line, but it was sore to watch on from the side having played no more than a bit part myself especially as I had started last season well on the new playing surface and was back in love with the game.

“To pick up such a damaging, innocuous injury so soon was and still is a crushing blow and I had my share of down times just as I’m having now after making this decision to call time on my playing days.

“Thankfully, the gaffers did the business in the transfer market to overcome my absence and in truth had we not won promotion it would have been a failing on our part as players when you think of the squad, management, committee, facilities and all round set up now in place at Renfrew.

“Further strengthening moves have been made again so there is no real reason for me to struggle on given the quality now in the ranks particularly in the middle of the park.

"And there’s a real core of experienced heads in Disco Gordon, Chris Zok, Anton Heffron, Stuart McDonald and big Marty McInnes to go along with young hungry types so there will be strong competition for places this season.

”What the future holds for me now in the game is not all that clear, but I’ve received a number of tempting offers from others probably realising my playing days were over before I had though the gaffers have said they still see me as part of what they are building so that alone is a shot in the arm and anything I can do to help them or the lads I will.”

“My biggest regret is being the owner of a few too many runners-up medals, but Junior football has been great for me team up with terrific players and work under top managers such as Sammy Johnston, Tam McDonald, Clarky / Martin, who have basically allowed me to go and play my game and I’d like to thank them for their support throughout.”

Frew co-gaffer Clark said: "Chris has been a truly marvellous Junior, whose composure on the ball and willingness to get the ball down and make passes made him a stand-out wherever he played.”