Civil Service Strollers defender Conrad Balatoni admits he has a big call to make at end of the season

Former Hearts defender Conrad Balatoni has hinted this season could be his last as he eyes success in the Lowland League.

The 31-year-old, who has also turned out for Kilmarnock, Partick Thistle and FC Edinburgh, is now plying his trade with Civil Service Strollers after a pre-contract agreement with divisional rivals Berwick Rangers failed to materialise.

However, Balatoni is content with life at Christie Gillies Park as he looks to build his own business as a financial advisor.

"I don't know how long I'll keep playing for, this may be my last so if it is I want to go out on a high," Balatoni told the Evening News. "Hopefully this season can be a successful one at Strollers. I want to play football and enjoy it. Last season at Clyde was up there with probably the worst I have had in my career alongside Kilmarnock.

Conrad Balatoni played for Edinburgh City in League Two last season. Picture: Ross MacDonald / SNS

"My work now is my number one priority so that takes precedence over anything football related. It's not the be all and end all anymore.

"The Lowland League is professional, it's a good standard and I want to do well but the management also understand that there is a life outside football. If something comes up and I can't make training, they're not going to be mad about it so it just ticks all the boxes."

Balatoni added: "I always had it on my mind that it would have to be somewhere local I needed to play. I can be travelling all over Scotland to meet clients for work during the week so I need to be close by for training and matches.

"I got in touch with Gary (Jardine) and let him know I was interested after the Berwick deal fell through so I met up with him and was happy with the direction the club is heading and I've really enjoyed it so far.

"We've had one of the hardest starts to the league having played all the B teams, Open Goal and Gala with Tranent to come tomorrow. But we've got a run coming up where we should be taking all three points so we feel we're in good position."