NI boss O’Neill hoping Fulham’s Hughes is available for qualifiers

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill is hoping that Fulham defender Aaron Hughes makes himself available for 2014 World Cup qualifiers later this year.

The 32-year old pulled the pin on his international football career in September but has come out of retirement ahead of this month’s friendly with Norway.

O’Neill admits it was not required that Hughes came back for these matches but insists that it is vital he is around for qualifiers later in 2012.

"Getting Aaron in for this game wasn't a top priority, the top priority was having Aaron available in September for the start of the qualification games," said O'Neill.

"But he made it clear that he wanted to be back in from the start. That is a testament to what Aaron is like as a character.

"Once we sat down and chatted about things he came back to me very quickly and said he wanted to be back and to be involved from the off. I gave him the option of some more time but he was committed and focused to be in as soon as possible.

"We have a core of players with Northern Ireland who have performed admirably in recent years, they're a tight group and the loss of a player from that can cause damage - especially one as influential as Aaron. For him to reverse his decision and be available again is a big positive."

 

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