One step at a time for Gareth McAuley

West Brom defender Gareth McAuley is ready to play on for another year.

But, at 35 years old, the veteran is determined he won't 'overstay his welcome' at the Hawthorns.

The Northern Ireland international is signed up for one more season with the Baggies and has not ruled out a further contract extension next summer.

But the fans' favourite is adamant he will only keep going as long as he feels able, saying: "It's now a case of re-assessing every year and I'm happy with that.

"I feel good and fresh still but the important thing for me is not to outstay my welcome at this club. If I feel I can do it, then I will keep going but, next summer, that will be re-assessed.

"My desire is never going to change. I'm not naive enough to think the legs don't go but at the moment I feel good and strong in games.

"I can't really look forward any more than a year at a time because the last thing I want to do is overstay my welcome."

McAuley famously took his time to find his way into professional football, with Lincoln City taking a chance on him at the age of 24.

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He had previously starred in non-league football in Northern Ireland, while earning his living in a drawing office.

And the former Leicester and Ipswich stopper reckons starting late has helped him to prolong his career.

He said: "I've seen all levels of football throughout my career and I wouldn't change that for anything.

"It certainly gives you a better grounding and understanding of things and probably a better connection with reality and real life.

"Football, at this level, is lived in a bubble. Physically it's probably helped me, as well, in the fact I feel good and I'm not running about with ankle strapping and knee problems."

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