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

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

The 46-year-old spent most of his career at West Brom, making 227 appearances across seven Premier League seasons. According to ExpressAndStar.com, he ranks among Albion’s best free transfers after joining from Ipswich Town in 2011.

He formed several mean backlines with Jonas Olsson, Craig Dawson and Jonny Evans, and was a threat in the box, scoring 17 goals for the club.

Capped 80 times by Northern Ireland, he was integral to Euro 2016. He scored in the 2-0 group win over Ukraine to secure progress, before an own goal saw Wales edge their last-16 tie. That tournament in France remains the only European Championship Northern Ireland have reached.

McAuley retired in 2019 after a season with Rangers, and was appointed MBE later that year for services to football in Northern Ireland. He now manages his country’s under-19s.

He was inducted alongside former captain Marissa Callaghan, who led the women’s team to a first Euros in 2022, joining a roll call that also includes George Best, Harry Gregg, David Healy and Steven Davis.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com