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

Gareth McAuley said he was humbled after being inducted into the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association Hall of Fame.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the 46-year-old made 227 appearances across seven Premier League seasons at The Hawthorns.

The Larne-born centre-back won 80 caps and was central to the Euro 2016 run to the last 16. He scored in the 2-0 group win over Ukraine that sealed progress, then an own goal against Wales proved decisive in the round of 16.

He called the recognition pleasing and an honour, adding that with the Euros 10 years ago and retirement nearly seven years ago, being remembered in this way is really humbling.

Euro 2016 in France remains Northern Ireland’s only European Championship appearance.

McAuley retired after one season with Rangers in 2019 and was appointed an MBE for services to football in Northern Ireland later that year.

He now manages his nation’s under-19s.

A free transfer from Ipswich Town in 2011, he became a stalwart of several tight Baggies defences alongside Jonas Olsson, Craig Dawson and Jonny Evans, and scored 17 goals. Earlier he played for Leicester, Lincoln, Crusaders and Coleraine.

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

Source: ExpressAndStar.com