MICKY Higham may have recently been awarded a three-month testimonial, but the Warrington Wolves hooker has no intention of hanging up his boots yet.

Higham was granted the testimonial by the Rugby Football League in recognition of his long and illustrious career, good character and service to the community.

And while the 33-year-old is overwhelmed by the support he has received, he is determined to keep achieving with the club he has come to think of as home.

“Playing wise, I want to keep winning things with this club,” he said. “We’re a talented club and we’re still going places, still improving.

“We had the potential and now we’ve gone forward and I still want to be a part of that. Plus, from a personal point of view, I’m feeling pretty fresh and fit.

“My age is going up a little bit, but you speak to Tony (Smith) and age is just a number if you look after yourself.

“If I can keep playing well and keep looking to improve and train hard then that’s one of my goals, to play as long as I can and to play well – I don’t want to just make the numbers up.

“There are still a lot of challenges and I’m still very driven to be successful. I’m putting things in place for after rugby, but I don’t want to wish it away too soon as once it’s gone you’re a long time retired.”

The testimonial will be launched with a Family Day at Monks Sports Club, Woolston, on Saturday, September 13.

Higham said: “The response has been overwhelming, I can’t thank people enough for their support and messages.

“I just see myself as a local lad who likes playing rugby and gets on with it, it just shows the rugby family of supporters and players alike.

“Players from all teams have said they’ll do anything to help. After the game against Leeds, Kevin Sinfield came over and said ‘Micky I’ll sort you a shirt out for your testimonial’ – that’s the kind of people they are.”

Starting at Leigh and enjoying time at St Helens and Wigan, Higham is delighted to have shared in Wolves’ recent glory years.

“Leigh set me in good stead. It’s like serving your apprenticeship in a lower league, it keeps you level headed.

“Saints was a fantastic move for me. I played behind Keiron Cunningham, one of the best there, and learned from him.

“At the time when I was leaving Wigan I didn’t know what was going to happen, I’m just so glad Warrington gave me the opportunity.

“Six years have flown by and I’d love to stay here for as long as I can.

“I feel like part of the furniture, the teams have changed and the squad’s different but I’ve been fortunate to stay here and loved every minute of it.”