After a decade with the national team, Matildas midfielder Collette McCallum has announced her retirement.

Fittingly McCallum will make her final appearance  for Australia tonight against, and in, the country of her birth Scotland.

“It has been a great honour and privilege to represent my country for the last ten years,” McCallum said.

“Unfortunately my body can't deal with the intensity and load required to play at this level anymore."

"I have pushed my knees as far as they can go and I am content with my decision to hang up the boots.

For the past three years, the Perth Glory captain has persisted in playing with a troublesome knees keeping her out of the Matildas and away from football for long periods of time.

In the end it took it's toll and the 29 year old came to the decision following a meeting with Head Coach Alen Stajcic and the national team medical staff.

The announcement takes McCallum out of the running to appear at a third FIFA Women's World Cup.

“Although it is disappointing to miss the World Cup, I feel that I have been fortunate enough to experience two previous campaigns of which the memories will never leave me."

“The team we have now is looking strong and preparing really well, and I'm looking forward to watching them compete against the best in June."

Stajcic, who has been part of McCallum's career at various stages, spoke about her impact on the national team and Australian football.

“It is with sad news that one of our truly greatest ever Matildas has succumbed to injury and decided to retire,” Stajcic said.

“In my opinion, Collette is in the top four or five Matildas of all time and has represented our country with distinction on many occasions."

"She is a wonderful ambassador on and off the field for our sport."

Cap 132, McCallum will has been a large part of Australia's emergence in world football. At her prime McCallum was the key to Australia's midfield with her passing range and vision one of the best in the world.

In 2007 during Australia's run to their first FIFA Women's World Cup quarter finals, McCallum's full range of skills were on display included her skill with the "dead ball."

McCallum was also part of the historic 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup champions squad and the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup quarter final run.

Domestically, the midfielder captained Perth Glory for three seasons included 2014 season where they claimed the W-League Premiership and made their first ever Grand Final  appearance. 

Collette McCallum will player her 81st and last cap for Australia tonight.

Scotland v Australia

Falkirk Stadium

Thursday, 9 April 2015

Kick off: 2.30pm local time (11.30pm AEST)