Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has thanked defender Aaron Hughes for his contribution to Villa before making a £1million switch to Fulham this week.

The Northern Ireland international made 64 appearances in two years at Villa after moving from Newcastle in the summer of 2005.

O'Neill said: "I've spoken to Aaron to wish him all the best at Fulham. It was an opportunity he felt he wanted to take and I would like to express my gratitude for his work for Villa.

"He felt there might be an opportunity for him at Fulham and I understand that."