West Bromwich Albion's Chris Brunt: We want Gareth McAuley to stay put

The 35-year-old defender's current contract expires in the summer but Brunt believes his fellow Northern Irishman still has plenty to offer the Baggies.

McAuley endured a frustrating first half to the season but has been a regular fixture in the team under Tony Pulis.

And Brunt said: "Since he got back into the team just before Christmas he's done very well and he's been very consistent. You only have to look back over the last four years and see just how consistent he has been.

"He has probably been our most consistent performer so I think that's a no-brainer.

"I think everybody at the club will want him to stay.

"All the lads want him to stay because he's great to have around the place and he works unbelievably hard at his game for somebody who's getting on a bit."

Brunt also believes no-one should be fooled by McAuley's age, adding: "He's a freak – he's a fit lad for his age and he looks after himself well. That's credit to him. He came into the game late and he obviously wants to play at the highest level for as long as he can so fingers crossed he can get something sorted."

McAuley is among a number of players out of contract in the summer and Brunt believes everyone has a point to prove over the final four games, ahead of Pulis' first summer at the Hawthorns, adding: "With the new gaffer here I'm sure he will have a big say in what goes on over the summer," explained the 30-year-old.

"Regardless of what anybody thinks about whether we're safe or not, everybody has still got points to prove over the last few weeks of the season, whether they want to stay or want to leave. It's in everybody's best interests."