VIDEO: McAuley wins Sportsperson of the Year award

The Premier League defender couldn’t be at Thursday night’s ceremony in person, but his mother, Mildred, collected the Larne Times sponsored award on his behalf.

“It’s an honour to be recognised by the people from the town where I grew up and which I represent. I love going back there, so it’s a nice honour to have from them,” he said on a pre-recorded video filmed at West Brom.

“A lot of people have helped me get a foothold in football and get a move across the water. Obviously my family have been strong behind me and have given me all of the support and love to keep me strong throughout a tough season.

“I have to give Gary Haveron a mention as well, because he has been nominating me for the past four or five years.”

He added: “It’s a nice award for me to get and it’s something that I’m proud of and that my family are proud of.”

For a full list of tonight’s winners follow @Times_Sport on Twitter.

Don’t miss next week’s Times for a six-page special on the Larne Sports Awards