Corry Evans has been included in a Northern Ireland squad that has also been boosted by Craig Cathcart’s return for the home World Cup qualifier with Norway later this month. Midfielder Evans has not played in over two months with his ongoing groin issue but his club Blackburn are fine with his selection, while Watford defender Cathcart is available for the first time since the summer’s European Championships having battled his own injury problems.
Category: Gareth McAuley
West Brom sends Bournemouth sliding toward relegation zone
West Bromwich Albion is exceeding expectations and remains a surprise contender for European qualification after sending Bournemouth sliding toward the Premier League relegation zone with a 2-1 victory over the south-coast team on Saturday. Bournemouth took an early lead through Josh King’s penalty but goals from defenders Craig Dawson and Gareth McAuley turned the game at the Hawthorns on its head before halftime as West Brom won at home for the seventh time in the last eight outings.
Slaven Bilic has been charged by the FA over an incident during West Ham’s game with West Brom
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has been charged with improper conduct for his behaviour during Saturday’s draw against West Brom, the Football Association has announced. Bilic was sent off by referee Michael Oliver after he angrily threw down a television microphone following West Brom’s late equaliser, which made it 2-2.
Ben Foster – West Brom eyeing record total after West Ham draw
Gareth McAuley’s late equalising goal – after Nacer Chadli had given them the lead – left them eighth with a total of 37 points from 25 league fixtures, and on course to surpass the 47 and 49 they respectively earned in 2012 and 2013. There had been speculation surrounding Tony Pulis’ future at the start of the season after their takeover by a Chinese investment group but they have since impressed, and Foster told West Brom’s official website: “The target now for us is 50 points and a top-half finish.
Gareth McAuley: No rush over new West Brom deal
The 37-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season and he is yet to hold talks with the club about a fresh deal. Both the Baggies and McAuley are comfortable with the situation and he did not sign his current deal until April this year so is in no rush.