Former West Brom defender Gareth McAuley awarded MBE
Former Albion defender Gareth McAuley has been awarded an MBE for services to Northern Irish football in the New Year Honours List.
The 39-year-old spent seven successful years at The Hawthorns before being released in the summer.
He is now playing north of the border for Steven Gerrard at boyhood club Rangers.
But the Northern Irishman has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to football in his country.
McAuley has earned 79 caps for Northern Ireland across the past 13 years, helping the Green and White Army reach Euro 2016, the country’s first major tournament in 30 years.
At that tournament, McAuley scored one of his nine international goals in a 2-0 win over Ukraine that ensured Northern Ireland qualified out of their group.
Rangers boss Gerrard said: “It’s fantastic for Gareth. I think he certainly deserves that accolade with the services he has given to football.
"He’s a top human being as well so congratulations to him and his family, I’m sure it will be a proud day. He certainly deserves it.”
McAuley dumbfounded sceptics by playing 227 times for Albion after arriving from Ipswich Town on a free transfer at the age of 31.
He isn’t the only sports star to be recognised in the New Year Honours List.
Former England cricket captain Alastair Cook and former England rugby captain Bill Beaumont have both been knighted.
Tour de France and Sports Personality of the Year winner Geraint Thomas has been awarded an OBE, as has England manager Gareth Southgate and jockey Richard Johnson.
Outgoing Premier League chairman Richard Scudamore has been given a CBE, and England striker Harry Kane has been given an MBE.
