Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington isn't surprised top-flight clubs are interested in Ipswich Town defender Gareth McAuley.

McAuley did not make his Football League debut until he was 24, having signed for Lincoln after spending the early years of his career in the Irish League with Linfield, Crusaders and Coleraine.

Spells at Leicester and now Ipswich have helped cement his place in Worthington's plans and now Bolton and Scottish champions Rangers are reported to be interested in elevating his career further.

"I've known Gareth a long time and worked with him at Leicester City when I was there for a short period," Worthington told Press Association Sport from Northern Ireland's training base in Santiago.

"He's a good pro, very focused on his job and I'm not surprised that bigger clubs are being mentioned.

"The more players we can have at the top end of the league, whether it be the Premiership or the Premiership in Scotland, the better for the player and the better for us."