WANDERERS midfielder Keith Andrews has been taking his first steps on a coaching course during the close season – but has no plans to hang up his boots at the Reebok yet.

Last season was a frustrating first one with the Whites for the Republic of Ireland skipper with an Achilles injury curtailing his campaign.

He started as a firm fixture in the side under both Owen Coyle and then Dougie Freedman following his switch from West Brom 12 months ago.

But he finally succumbed to the injury he had been playing on with, despite the pain, at Crystal Palace on January 19.

Andrews is still undergoing a lengthy rehabilitation process as he looks to get back to full fitness for the new campaign.

He was forced out of his country’s midweek draw at Wembley, and has used his free time to begin planning for life after his playing career.

But the 32-year-old intends to see out the remaining two years of his Whites contract.

And he has his sights set on a return for both Wanderers and the Irish national team as soon as the season gets back underway in August.

The Dubliner told the Irish Examiner: “I’ve tried in recent years to get on to coaching courses but, with our hectic club and international schedule, it’s very difficult to squeeze them in.

“I’ve always had one eye on the future. I do have other interests, but football is my true passion in life and, as I’ve got older and more experienced, it’s something I now know I will want to stay involved in when eventually I do hang up my boots.

“Not that I am ready to hang up those boots yet, not by a long shot.

“Unfortunately, I’m not available due to injury, and to say I’m frustrated would be a bit of an understatement.”

Andrews is keen to stay in the game when the day does come to call time on his playing career.

And he believes it is important to serve his coaching apprenticeship in a similar way to when he first started out as a young player.

Andrews says the pitfalls are there for players who do not approach coaching in the right way once they stop playing.

He added: “As a player, you really only have to look after yourself, but when you become a coach or a manager then obviously things change drastically.

“All of a sudden you have to consider the needs of a squad of maybe 25 players as well as staff.

“We’ve worked on aspects of the transition from a player to a coach and how to make it easier.

“As someone who’s played at a high level in my career I’m very fortunate to have gained valuable experience from playing with and against top players and working under a lot of coaches with their different styles and philosophies.

“But while I know this is a rich resource, the flip side is that there are certain things you need to leave at the door.

“Personally, I feel a big reason why a lot of top players don’t become top managers is because they let their egos get in the way. To a degree, it doesn’t really matter what you’ve done as a player when you start coaching.

“You have to do the same as you did when you started your journey as a player — that is to say, you have to serve your apprenticeship. And I think some players find this tricky.”