Town central defender Gareth McAuley will captain Northern Ireland for the first time when they take on Slovenia in Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier at Windsor Park (Sky Sports One/HD1 7.30pm). Regular skipper Aaron Hughes has dropped out due to injury.

McAuley, who scored his second international goal in Friday’s 2-1 defeat in Serbia, will be winning his 28th cap and is set to continue at the centre of the defence rather than switching back to the right-back role he usually occupies for his country.

Manager Nigel Worthington said: "We've got a fantastic captain when he's fit in Aaron Hughes. He's our captain. Chris Baird had it on Friday because of his 50th cap and I've decided to give it to Gareth now. But I'm a big believer in having 11 captains out there.

"You don't need an armband to do your job, there are some people who are more vocal and can organise better than others and Gareth is one of them, but each individual has to take the responsibility of helping and encouraging."

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich24 added 16:23 - Mar 28 Super Mac
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bluelady added 17:03 - Mar 28 sign him up, let him see his career out at PM, would cost a fortune to replace with the same quality...
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JoshTheLad added 17:21 - Mar 28 YES MAC!
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hampstead_blue added 17:36 - Mar 28 Great news. It does show that the initial offer of matching terms was rather ill-judged.
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itfc1981 added 18:03 - Mar 28 not really Hampstead given NI world rankings, mind you I want him signed up. Mac and Delaney to stay, let Norris go.
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broomfield123 added 18:42 - Mar 28 To be honest its not that great a thing to captain NI . They are really quite awful. Maybe thats you he fits well in our present team. Glenn Pennyfather and Graham Harbey would look good in this team. Its of the same standard as the John Duncan era
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bluelady added 19:07 - Mar 28 Broomfield id say it was a massive honour to captain your country........
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brogansnose added 19:15 - Mar 28 Totally agree with bluelady; sign him up there are few better if at all at this level. CB's mature with age, mind you didnt happen in my case.
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coco_the_clown added 19:29 - Mar 28 Sign him up Clegg (if you can manage it) - McAuley is quality unlike you ... what was that rubbish ba11s up new season ticket pamphlet all about? Completley amature rubbish - half of it missing and pages repeated, and a lovely full page picture of Tamas P who we've off loaded. CLEGG OUT.
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StochesStotasBlewe added 19:30 - Mar 28 Well done Mr McAuley. Our most consistent perfomer this season by far. He deserves this accolade even if it is "only N.I.". Lets get him signed up pronto.
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petermorris added 19:32 - Mar 28 Agree with Coco. Stupid leaflet c0ckup was laughable and doesn't fill me with hope. Clegg can't seem to get the basics right. Can you play r/back Coco The Clown?
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petermorris added 19:36 - Mar 28 Oh, got so angry about the latest Clegg mess up I forgot to say WELL DONE MAC - Class player - Lets hope we flippin sign him up.
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das_bones added 20:13 - Mar 28 Congrats Gareth just dont get injured!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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broomfield123 added 20:57 - Mar 28 Just think we can do loads better than what we have we just have to raise the bar
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broomfield123 added 20:58 - Mar 28 Just think we can do loads better than what we have we just have to raise the bar
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corshamblue added 21:45 - Mar 28 Broomfield, you first comment has got to be one of the most stupid posts I've ever read on this Forum, and there has been a few. For a small country they've had some remarkable results, and have one of the best sets of fans in International Football. To represent your country, which ever nation that is, has to be the ultimate for a sportsperson. To captain that team just takes it to a new level. Macca, I couln't be more proud. I think we need to 'raise the bar' on some of the forum post. I personally think representing NI as Captain is a very BIG thing, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion but I struggle to understand such CR*P.

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tractorblue99 added 23:12 - Mar 28 Totaly deserved macca. Please please sign him up clegg. Or let PJ take over negotiations. We need you gareth!
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DiamondGezzer added 07:58 - Mar 29 Gareth Macauley is a must in our side. Works hard along side Damien Delainy and as a pairing you won't find much better in the championship. Congratulations on the captaincy, lets hope you don't get injured. Bluelady :- Yes he does deserve to see out his career at PR - agree !
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