x

McAuley One of Several on International Duty - Ipswich Town News

Skipper Gareth McAuley is one of a number of Town players away on international duty this week. The Northern Irishman is set to win his 14th full cap in a World Cup qualifier in San Marino on Wednesday.

McAuley has been playing at right-back rather than centre-half for Nigel Worthington's side, but says he isn't bothered so long as he is involved: "I'm a centre-half but I'll play anywhere for my country.

"There was a time when I thought I would never play again for Northern Ireland, so to be involved is fantastic.

"I was so down and honestly thought that I had no international future. It went through my head that there was no point being involved in a squad when I wasn't going to play.

"But then I was picked for Sweden and my international career turned full circle.

"I would now never even think about retiring because what has happened to me during the last year proves that you should never give up hope or stop believing in yourself.

"I was asked to play right-back and even though it's not my natural position that doesn't bother me because I've really enjoyed it and I think that is demonstrated in my performances. I've a hunger to succeed and can do a job.”

Elsewhere, Veliche Shumulikoski is in the Macedonia squad for their friendly against Moldova in Antalya, Turkey, also on Wednesday.

On the same night, Alex Bruce and the Republic of Ireland full squad take on Georgia in a World Cup qualifier in Dublin.

Owen Garvan, named the Republic of Ireland U21 Player of the Year over the weekend, is in their squad for their friendly against Germany in Cork on Tuesday.

Chris Casement, currently on loan at Wycombe, is in the Northern Ireland U21 squad playing Wales in Ballymena, also on Tuesday.

Young striker Paul Murphy is in the Republic of Ireland U19 squad playing friendlies with Russia in Sochi on Tuesday and Thursday. Murphy, 17, is currently back in Dublin having suffered with home sickness during the first half of the season.

What to read next:

Huni Camp to Lodge Appeal After Wardley Defeat
Justis Huni’s manager Mick Francis says his team are to launch an official appeal to the WBA regarding the manner in which referee John Latham ended last night’s fight with Fabio Wardley at Portman Road.
Brentford Linked With McKenna Move Should Frank Depart For Spurs
Town boss Kieran McKenna would be targeted by Brentford should Thomas Frank depart for Tottenham Hotspur, according to various reports.
Wardley Wins!
Fabio Wardley won his Portman Road fight in sensational style, knocking out Justis Huni with a huge right hand in the 10th round to claim the WBA interim Heavyweight title with the Australian looking on course for victory.
Pitts Wins Second Malta U21s Cap
Town youngster Josh Pitts won his second Malta U21s cap in this evening’s 2-1 friendly win away in San Marino (KO 5pm).
Waiting Over For Wardley
The waiting is finally over for Fabio Wardley, with the Town-supporting boxer’s long-held ambition of a Portman Road fight set to be fulfilled this evening.
Pitts Set For Second Malta U21s Cap
Town youngster Josh Pitts looks set to win his second Malta U21s cap when his side takes on San Marino in the second of two away friendlies this evening (KO 5pm).
Clarke: Slicker Thrown Into Situation He Perhaps Wasn't Ready For
Scotland boss Steve Clarke says he feels for Blues keeper Cieran Slicker following his difficult full international debut in the 3-1 defeat to Iceland at Hampden Park and admitted that the 22-year-old may have been thrown into a situation he wasn’t ready for.
Tough Scotland Debut For Slicker as Four Win Caps
Town keeper Cieran Slicker was handed his full Scotland debut off the bench in the opening minutes and had a tough time as his team, which also featured George Hirst, was beaten 3-1 by Iceland in a friendly at Hampden Park, while Dara O’Shea and Jack Taylor added to their Republic of Ireland caps in a 1-1 friendly in Dublin.
Tuanzebe Out of DR Congo Squad
Blues defender Axel Tuanzebe has left DR Congo’s training camp in Orleans, France due to injury.
TWTD Questionnaire 2024/25
Welcome to the annual TWTD Questionnaire, your chance to look back in judgement on Town's 2024/25 season