Scotland's second highest run scorer Bruce Patterson last night called time on his top flight cricket career. Patterson, 43, is one of only two players to have totalled more than 4,000 runs for Scotland along with his long-time opening partner Iain Philip. He earned the last of his 124 caps against Ireland in 2004 and was still a regular at the top of the order for Ayr last season.

Patterson, who is now planning to move into coaching at a later date, said: "I've told Ayr I'm having the season off but realistically this is the end. Unless there is a goal it is difficult to get motivated for club cricket and it's a few years since I last played for Scotland. I've had a fantastic career and would like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way.

"If anyone had told me as a 15 year-old that I'd end up with 124 caps I'd have said no chance. I was more of a manufactured player than a natural but at least I can say I made the most of my ability."

Patterson famously hit the first ball ever faced by a Scot in a World Cup for four when Scotland lined-up against Australia at a packed New Road, Worcester, in 1999 (see photo at right).However, the highlight of his career came ten years earlier when he scored 70 against Allan Border's Australian side in front of 5,000 fans at Hamilton Crescent.

He added: "I've lots of great memories including that innings against Australia and also playing in the first ever win away from home against a county when we beat Northants. I'll take at least this season away from the game to concentrate on business commitments but I'm not out of it for good. I definitely want to come back in a coaching or managerial role and feel I have something to offer."

Ayr skipper Phil Wilson paid tribute to Patterson and admitted his retirement will leave a big void at the club.

"Bruce is one of the legends of the Scottish game and will be hard to replace," said Wilson. "Ironically I saw him at the gym the other day and have never seen him looking so fit but I respect his decision and understand he has business commitments."

Ayr open their SNCL campaign against Carlton tomorrow.