Gareth McAuley is willing play for West Bromwich Albion's U23 side to try and regain his fitness so as he can be in contention for Northern Ireland.

The 37-year-old played 90 minutes in Northern Ireland's matches against Germany and Norway this past week, but he has managed just 62 minutes all season for the Baggies after a thigh injury prevented him from being fit at the start of the season.

Michael O'Neill's side have reached the play-off stage of the qualifiers, and McAuley says he is willing to play for the club's U23 side to be ready for the all-important fixture.

"Obviously being injured at the start of the season was not ideal as I wasn't able to challenge for a place," McAuley said.

"I've got two games under my belt here and I just have to go back, train well and see what happens there.

"I'll try and get some football anyway, even if it's with the 23s or with the first team, I need to make sure I maintain fitness going into the games next month."