News

NORTHERN Ireland defender Gareth McAuley yesterday set the seal on a year to remember by moving to join Championship side Leicester City on a three-year contract.

 

He joins the club after a two-year spell with Lincoln City and at the end of a year which saw him make his full international debut.

 

McAuley, 26, is the Foxes first transfer of the summer and, according to boss Rob Kelly, is set to become an integral part of the squad at the Walkers Stadium.

 

"He is an intelligent player and I don't think things phase him, he is very level-headed," he told the official City website.

 

"His presence is obvious. He is an emerging and developing player who is coming into an emerging and developing squad. Gareth is a good addition to our squad."

 

McAuley himself is eager to get cracking in his new surroundings and relishes the challenge ahead.

 

"It is a step up for me but I am hungry, have got that drive and want to go places.

 

"I know that I will have to fight for my place because there are a lot of quality players at the club but I have every confidence in my own ability and want to do well in pre-season, get a shirt on my back and keep it."

 

And he feels the move will do his chances of adding to his international caps tally no harm whatsoever!

 

"I feel as though I have acquitted myself well at that level and hopefully if I can make an impression at Leicester then more opportunities will follow."