PAUL Di Giacomo has revealed that he will leave Morton at the end of the season and plans to drop to part-time football.

The midfielder signed at Cappielow on a one-year contract last summer but will not be seeking fresh terms.

Instead he is looking to supplement his income with a job outside the game.

Di Giacomo, 29, has conceded that the financial plight facing Scottish football has been the main factor behind his decision to turn his back on a full-time playing career.

Di Giacomo told the Tele: "I think Scottish football is in a transitional stage and I think it is time for experienced guys like myself to step aside and make way for the younger ones.

"There is just not enough money in it anymore.

"I don't want people to think I'm being big-headed by saying that - I just think that part-time football is what a lot of boys should be looking at.

"That's definitely what I'll be looking at. If I want to be playing then it is going to be at that level and then try and get myself a wee job.

"The manager knows that. I'd imagine his budget will be cut again next year - that makes it even more difficult for him. And for me, I have a mortgage to pay.

"Every season in Scottish football it is just cuts, after cuts, after cuts. And then with this Rangers carry-on I just don't know what is going to happen to the game.

"At the end of the season I will be looking for pastures new, I think it is time for me to start looking at other things. That's the plan, anyway.

"I have no idea what job I'll end up with. I'll take my time this summer and see what takes my fancy." But Di Giacomo hopes that his departure will allow Ton to blood a few youngsters from the youth ranks next season.

He said: "I think it is time for me, at my age, to step aside and let a few of these younger guys come in and have a shot.

"I think clubs need to start doing that - bringing a young boy in and help mould him into a good player. If that happens then who knows, he could be sold for a lot of money in the future."