McAuley began his career at Coleraine and has also played for Lincoln City

Ipswich Town have named defender Gareth McAuley as first-team captain for the forthcoming season.

The 28-year-old Northern Ireland international, who joined from Leicester City in June, replaces Jason de Vos, who retired last season.

Fellow defender Richard Naylor has been handed the role of club captain.

Ipswich manager Jim Magilton told the club's website: "Gareth will lead the team out on Saturday against Preston, I'm sure he will grow into the role."

Naylor's role as club captain is to assist McAuley and Magilton said: "It's a role that I think he deserves having been a fantastic servant to Ipswich Town.

"He will be a figurehead, if you like, from the playing side and will work alongside Gareth as well and pass on his experience."