As Gareth McAuley celebrates his 46th birthday today, we look at some of his best moments playing for Northern Ireland…
McAuley had a knack for scoring crucial goals for his country.
Against the Faroe Islands in the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers he scored twice to help secure a valuable three points in Torshavn. The result in September 2015 helped Northern Ireland take top spot in the group at that stage and inched them closer to securing their first ever appearance at the European Championships.
On a rainy night in Lyon he scored the historic first goal in the Euro 2016 group stage match against Ukraine, which Northern Ireland won by two goals to nil. Niall McGinn was, of course, the other scorer.
The opener against the Ukrainians came when Oliver Norwood launched a free-kick to the back post where McAuley rose majestically to powerfully head the ball into the back of the net. It was Northern Ireland’s first ever goal at a Euros.
While the centre back’s goal in Lyon will always be an iconic moment in Northern Ireland football history, his performances in the backline were also impressive during the tournament in France.
As the team advanced to the knockout stages he played a vital role in a defence that only conceded three goals in four matches. McAuley said: “It’s pure hard work. It is a squad, it’s a team. We aren’t blessed with world class individuals, but we’re a strong unit.”
The former West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Lincoln City defender demonstrated leadership and defensive stability while representing the national team on 80 occasions (nine goals).
However, his goal in Lyon on 16 June 2016 is a day that both he and the Green and White Army will remember for the rest of their lives.
Happy Birthday Gareth!
