West Bromwich Albion boss Alan Irvine eager to keep Gareth McAuley

West Bromwich Albion boss Alan Irvine has revealed that he wants Gareth McAuley to sign a new contract with the club.

The 34-year-old defender's current terms at The Hawthorns are due to expire in summer 2015.

Despite a lack of first-team action for McAuley this season, Irvine is hoping that the veteran pens an extension with the Baggies.

"I wouldn't want to lose Gareth. I know Gareth is desperate to play but his opportunity to play could come at any moment," the Scot is quoted as saying by the Birmingham Mail.

"Gareth is a really good centre-back and if we were to lose him we would have a really big job on our hands trying to find someone as good as him."

McAuley joined West Brom from Ipswich Town in 2011.