Chris Brunt has urged West Bromwich Albion to reward the 'freakish' Gareth McAuley with a new contract.

McAuley's future at The Hawthorns hangs in the balance as he comes to the end of his existing deal in the West Midlands.

Only four players - including Brunt - boast more than the 35-year-old's 134 appearances since joining from Ipswich Town in 2011, and his Northern Irish compatriot says that an extension is a "no-brainer".

"Since he got back into the team just before Christmas he's done very well and he's been very consistent. You only have to look back over the last four years and see just how consistent he has been," he told the Birmingham Mail.

"He has probably been our most consistent performer so I think that's a no-brainer. I think everybody at the club will want him to stay. All the lads want him to stay because he's great to have around the place and he works unbelievably hard at his game for somebody who's getting on a bit.

"He's a freak – he's a fit lad for his age and he looks after himself well. That's credit to him. He came into the game late and he obviously wants to play at the highest level for as long as he can so fingers crossed he can get something sorted. I think he'd be lost without me anyway!"

The centre-back has played in the Baggies' last 24 league and cup outings.