Gareth McAuley ready for 'amazing' opportunity at Rangers

Northern Ireland international Gareth McAuley has joined Rangers. The former West Bromich Albion player has been a free agent since leaving Albion in the summer following their relegation from the Premier League.

The 79 time capped Northern Ireland international has been handed a one year contract by Rangers boss Steven Gerrard.

“It is massive for me personally,” said McCauley about making the move to Ibrox when speaking to RangersTV.

“My family support the club as do I. The street I was born on, the kerbs were painted red, white and blue, so to get the opportunity to come and play at this famous club is amazing.”

The 38-year-old player brings quite a lot of experience with him to Rangers.

Having begun his career with Linfield, he had subsequent spells with Ballyclare Comrades, Crusaders and Coleraine, before moving to England in 2004.

He spent two years with League Two side Lincoln City before earning a move to Leicester City when they were in the Championship. Prior to West Brom, he spent three seasons with Ipswich Town.

He spent seven seasons with the Midlands club making over 200 appearances in England’s top flight and scoring 17 goals for the club.

“There are a young group of players here so I hope to help them with my knowledge, help develop them and also challenge them to play in the team.

“I didn’t think it would be in the latter stages of my career [I’d get the chance to play here], but the timing was good, everything has worked out and the last week has been a bit of a whirlwind.”



McCauley is in the Northern Ireland camp this week as Michael O’Neill’s men kick off the UEFA Nations League campaign this coming Saturday against Bosnia & Herzegovina. 

During the Larne man's time on the international stage, he has scored nine international goals including scoring Northern Ireland’s first goal at a major tournament in three decades – he scored in the 2-0 win over Ukraine in Lyon during Euro 2016.

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    Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile