Source: Team_Talk
McAuley delighted by change of fortune
The Ipswich defender provided the springboard for a 3-0 victory against San Marino in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday night with his first goal for the province.[LNB]McAuley, 29, punched the air in delight after smashing home a superb half-volley following a corner from Grant McCann.[LNB]Yet 16 months ago he was considering early retirement from national service after being fed up at his lack of opportunities.[LNB]However a late call-up into the team to face Sweden in October 2007 saw his career at this level take an upward turn.[LNB]McAuley slotted in well as Northern Ireland secured a good away point from a 1-1 draw in the Euro 2008 qualifier.[LNB]Since then he has become an integral part of the squad and he did enough against San Marino to suggest he could retain his place against Poland in a vital home qualifier next month.[LNB]McAuley said: "I am happier in myself now and delighted to get the goal. I got a real buzz out of it. It was a really proud moment for me and my family.[LNB]"It was my first goal for Northern Ireland but hopefully I can add to my tally. Grant put a great ball in and I just had to concentrate on making a good contact. It flew in and gave us a good start.[LNB]"Things have turned around for me and that's good. I got frustrated in the past because I felt I wasn't given a chance and could not see me being given one.[LNB]"But football changes so quickly and I played a number of games at the end of the last campaign.[LNB]"However I am not complacent as we have strength in depth at the back now. You just have to give everything in games and hope it gets you selected."[LNB]McCann and substitute Chris Brunt were also on target to propel Northern Ireland into second place in Group Three on goal difference, although they have played a game more than their rivals.[LNB]It was just the boost they were looking for ahead of back-to-back home fixtures with Poland and Slovenia.[LNB]McAuley said: "The picture is the group has changed and we have given ourselves a chance.[LNB]"The two games are not going to be easy but the group is tight as teams are taking points off each other.[LNB]"We have to try and make home advantage count and we have done well at Windsor Park in the past."[LNB][LNB]
