Release Date: 30/03/2011

NORTHERN Ireland defender Gareth McAuley admitted his first experience of leading the team out at Windsor Park in the scoreless draw with Slovenia was a huge honour for him and a feeling that he would one day love to repeat.

“I got a real buzz from being made skipper,” said the Ipswich Town centre-back. “It was a privilege to be given the armband and a very proud moment for me especially with my family sitting in the stands.

“I was disappointed we could not round the night off with a win, but I would love the opportunity to captain my country again.”

Despite only securing a point from the Slovenians McAuley was satisfied with the result that still leaves both countries well in the mix for a play-off spot in Group C.

“It was a hard earned point for us, and in hindsight not a bad point considering Serbia’s game against Estonia ended in a draw as well so we have to take that as a positive.

“We had to dig in for a lot of the game and soak up a lot of pressure which I thought we did quite well.

“Both teams missed chances and I suppose at the end of the day a draw was probably a fair result.

“The manager said after the game he was pleased with the outcome and that we were disciplined unit and kept our shape well.”

McAuley, who many pundits thought was man-of the-match versus Serbia, put in another no nonsense performance and nearly followed up his goal in Belgrade with another against Slovenia.

“It was a good delivery from Grant McCann,” said the 31 year-old, “and I got a good head to it, but it was not to be.

For the last two internationals the Larne-born defender has been handed a starting role in his favoured central defensive position, which he is naturally delighted about.

“That is where I play for my club week in week out and that is where I feel most comfortable, so hopefully I’ve done enough over the previous two matches for Nigel to give me a place at centre-back for the next international.

“If that doesn’t happen though and I have to revert to right-back I will still give my all playing there as well.”

Meanwhile Tuesday also saw Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Lee Camp making his international bow in front of the Windsor Park faithful and McAuley had nothing but praise for the former England under-21 player.  

“Lee is a great keeper, he’s dominant, he’s vocal and helps organise the defence and he made a number of important saves against Slovenia when called upon; he is a great character and a tremendous addition to he squad.”

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