McAuley eager to get going

Last updated : 24 May 2011 By Wba-mad Editor

New signing Gareth McAuley can’t wait to get his Albion career started and force his way into Roy Hodgson’s starting lineup.

The Northern Ireland captain yesterday penned a three-year contract after joining on a Bosman transfer from Championship outfit Ipswich Town.

The 31-year-old realises he faces a tough task to force his way into the starting XI of the eleventh best team in the land, but is relishing a return to training with his new teammates.

"It's a fantastic club," he said.

"I've played against West Brom a few times and I've played at The Hawthorns and experienced the atmosphere.

"I've actually scored there - but I probably shouldn't mention that!

"The club wants to move forward and cement itself in the Barclays Premier League on a permanent basis and become a top Premier League club.

"It's going to be hard to try and break into the team but that's my aim.

"I have enough faith in myself I can do that.

"I've played a lot of games in the Championship, which is a tough, tough division, as the players here will know.

"Teams have top strikers and I've played against that type of opposition week in, week out - maybe not to the level of the Premier League - but I've also experienced some top strikers in the international games I've played.

"I've been lucky enough and privileged enough to have the armband at my last few clubs.

"And it was a big experience for me and my family to be chosen at international level.

"Those things are nice to have but it's about now playing games and trying to move forward.

"Hopefully I can add something to the squad here."

Will McAuley be a first-team regular at The Hawthorns? Have your say at Baggies Banter here.