O'Neill hopes McAuley ignores talk of retirement
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill hopes Gareth McAuley continues his club career for as long as possible.
The veteran West Brom centre back is expected to sign a new one-year-contract with the club next week, which would take him into his 38th year.
With 69 international caps, McAuley is an integral part of the squad. O'Neill hopes that won't change any time soon.
"I want Gareth to play on as long as possible. It's been great for me that he's playing still at the top level in the Premier League in England, and obviously his performances with Northern Ireland don't need to be mentioned - he's been phenomenal with us for the last 3 years," he said.
Despite his age, McAuley has played every minute of every game for West Brom this season, and is joint-top of the goalscoring charts with 7.
He's also helped the club into 8th place, as they target their highest Premier League finish.
"I think he's getting better with age. Physically, he doesn't seem to be showing any signs of age. I'm delighted that he's getting another year at West Brom, he certainly deserves that," O'Neill said.
With a large Northern Irish contingent at West Brom, Michael O'Neill has been a regular visitor to the Hawthornes. McAuley is paired with Jonny Evans in defence, while Chris Brunt usually slots in at left back, or further up the park.
"Their success is built on the fact that they're a team, they don't have that star player that other Premier League teams have - but they're having a fantastic season. It's great that we have three players at that level."