Gareth McAuley has said that he is "really pleased" to have signed a contract to keep him at West Bromwich Albion for the 2015-16 Premier League season.

The defender was a free agent after coming to the end of his deal with the Baggies, but penned a new one-year contract yesterday.

The Northern Ireland international told the Birmingham Mail: "I am really pleased, it is what I wanted to extend my stay here. It feels like home really. I've had a great time here.

"I wasn't looking to go anywhere else and I'm looking forward to a new challenge in the 12 months ahead. It is the highest level I've played at. I've had four great years in the Premier League and am looking forward to another one.

"I've been here quite a long time, there are lots of good people at the training ground behind the scenes. I really enjoy it and feel really settled and happy here and I'm delighted that that continues for another 12 months."

McAuley joined West Brom on a free from Ipswich Town in 2011.