West Brom defender Gareth McAuley insists he has no plans to retire this summer with his contract situation yet to be finalised at The Hawthorns.

The 37-year-old is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and the Baggies have yet to discuss fresh terms with the Northern Ireland international.

McAuley has proven he still has the legs this season, playing in all 17 of the club’s Premier League games.

He has helped his side into eighth in the league table and the centre-back is happy to focus on his football for the time being.

He told reporters: “I’m completely relaxed about it. I will play football next year, I know that, where that is we’ll sort that out later on in the season.

You can never get too far ahead. “I’m only thinking about it now because I’ve been asked but I’m just thinking about Arsenal and two games in 48 hours at New Year.

“Going forward you never know what’s round the corner and I’ve never been one for planning too far ahead. I’ll enjoy it and I’ll see where we end up. “I’m enjoying myself.

One day my body is going to turn around and say ‘no, you can’t do it anymore’. I will just enjoy it until that happens.

I know myself now I will be able play next year.” Manager Tony Pulis is expected to field McAuley in Monday’s Boxing Day clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners are the heavy 1.33 favourites to win the game, with the draw priced at 5.25, while West Brom are available at odds of 9.00 With Dafabet.