SAINTS sinner Jim Goodwin has admitted that his career will be over if he steps out of line one more time.

The 33-year-old Irishman's disciplinary problems are well documented but, in a frank admission of his failings, Goodwin revealed that he is on his last chance with the Paisley club.

The defender is set to return to action in tonight's William Hill Scottish Cup replay against Inverness Caley Thistle after serving a three-match ban.

Goodwin's latest run-in with SFA beaks came after he was found guilty of elbowing young Dundee United forward Aidan Connolly at Tannadice last month. The Buddies player/coach was also punished by the St Mirren board and warned over his future behaviour.

Goodwin was also banned for two matches last season for striking Dundee United's Stuart Armstrong with his forearm.

Now the tough-tackling veteran agrees that his future in the game will be hanging in the balance if he fails to address the issues that continue to dog his on-the-field career.

Referring to the Connolly incident, he said: "It was silly and I shouldn't have done it.

"I've been here before and it was stupid, but it can't happen again, that's for sure.

"I let the boys down and I let everyone down - my family, the fans and the manager

"When Tommy Craig asked me to join his coaching staff at St Mirren, it was a great honour for me. I wanted to help as much as I could and help the team be as successful as we could. But, unfortunately, rather than help him I have hindered him. I am at an age now where I am not 17. I have responsibilities in the coaching side of things.

"I am a role model to younger players and I am sure there are people out there who have lost their patience with me.

"Some think the SFA should have thrown the book at me, but I made a mistake and it is only myself who can do something about it. I am working really hard to cut that out of my game. It can't happen again - and I have been told that. It is going to cost me my job the next time.

"I have no doubt that this is my last chance. I have got more lives than a cat. I want to be taken seriously as a coach and I will be starting the pro-licence course in January. But I don't want other clubs to think, 'There is no chance we will give this guy a job because he is a bombscare.'

"It may have a negative effect, but it is all up to me to change people's perceptions of me."

Goodwin admitted that when he saw footage of his elbow on Connolly it made him "cringe".

The Waterford-born player also revealed that the thought of hanging up his boots had briefly crossed his mind.

He explained: "There was that split-second thought that maybe I should quit playing altogether. The game has changed and I need to change with it or get left behind.

"I spoke to my boss Tommy Craig about quitting. I told him I didn't want to be causing him headaches every other week. My disciplinary record is a joke."