Gareth McAuley humbled by Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association Hall of Fame honour | OneFootball

Gareth McAuley said he was really humbled after his induction into the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association Hall of Fame, ExpressAndStar.com reports.

The 46-year-old spent much of his career at West Brom, making 227 appearances across seven Premier League seasons.

He earned 80 caps for Northern Ireland and helped drive their Euro 2016 run, scoring in the 2-0 group win over Ukraine before an own goal allowed Wales to edge the last-16 tie. That tournament in France remains the only European Championship Northern Ireland have reached.

McAuley said: "It's very pleasing and an honour to be inducted into the Football Writers' Hall of Fame. The Euros was ten years ago, and I've been retired nearly seven years, so to be remembered and recognised in this way is really humbling."

He retired after a season with Rangers in 2019 and was appointed an MBE later that year. He now manages Northern Ireland's under-19s.

Signed on a free from Ipswich in 2011, McAuley became a cornerstone of several resolute Baggies defences alongside Jonas Olsson, Craig Dawson and Jonny Evans, and he scored 17 goals. His earlier clubs included Crusaders, Coleraine, Lincoln and Leicester.

He was inducted alongside former Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan, who led the women’s side to a first Euros in 2022. Fellow Hall of Fame members include George Best, Harry Gregg, David Healy and Steven Davis.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com