Monday 13 October 2014 10:04, UK
West Brom defender Gareth McAuley says he is thrilled at the prospect of earning his 50th cap for Northern Ireland.
The 34-year-old is on course to reach the landmark in Greece on Tuesday providing he recovers from a knock he suffered in the 2-0 win over the Faroe Islands.
But McAuley is more concerned at the team earning a positive result in Athens than any personal milestones.
"To reach 50 caps is a great achievement and one I probably couldn't have dreamt about. When I made my debut at 25 against Germany I hoped I would be able to have a long international career but it has been everything I hoped and more," he said.
"For my family it will be a very proud moment too because I have to rely on them to pick me up when things aren't good and they have always been there for me.
"But as special as it is to reach this sort of milestone, if we don't get a good result, I don't think it will be possible to look back on it with any real delight.
"I will always be proud of reaching 50 caps, but I have been proud of every appearance because there really is no greater honour than playing for your country."
McAuley scored the opener against the Faroes on Saturday, but his previous struggles establishing himself in English football then earning a regular place with Northern Ireland makes recent victories more enjoyable.
"There have been times during my international career when I wondered if it was ever going to go anywhere," McAuley said.
"I wasn't getting games, even when I thought I maybe deserved a chance, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I thought about taking time out.
"But thankfully I took some good advice from good people and stuck at it. As things have turned out, I could not be happier to have got my head down and worked harder than ever to be given the chance.
"Hard work, dedication and a bit of luck along the way has helped get to where I am now.
"There is no doubt in my mind international football has helped get me to the Premier League and that is something else I will always be thankful for."
