Brunt in awe of McAuley form

West Brom captain Chris Brunt has praised veteran defender Gareth McAuley’s consistency.

McAuley, 33, has missed just one game in a successful campaign which sees Steve Clarke’s side sit eighth in the Premier League table.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him (McAuley) as a lad, or of his performances on the pitch,” Brunt told the club’s official website.

“He’s a good friend of mine – and he’s been massive for us. From day one, since he stepped into the team, he has been our most consistent player.

“And that’s coming from someone who had never played in the Premier League until he was 31.

“I had known him for a long time and I knew he was a good defender but when it came to the Premier League it was as unknown for me as it was for everybody else, and probably to him as well.

“But he has stepped up and been fantastic for us for the last couple of years, and he’s a great lad to have around as well.”

Brunt was also full of admiration for his team-mate’s work ethic and the way he has defended this season.

“He’s a fit lad,” he added. “He very rarely misses training and in pre-season he can run all day.

“He’s a bit of a freak and I’d say he’s got at least another couple of years in his locker at this level because he makes it look so easy.

“He’s a fantastic defender. When balls go into the box he heads them away and does his job.

“That’s all you ask from your centre-half. You want them to defend, and he’s a big talker and an influence on the pitch as well.

“He seems to work well with Jonas Olsson as well and that’s an important partnership in any team.”