Newcastle United legend Aaron Hughes says that a key decision from then manager Bobby Robson proved pivotal in his career.

There was a chance of Newcastle signing Colin Hendry from Rangers in 1999.

But Robson, who had been appointed that summer, had faith in Hughes and kept him as the starting right back instead.

"Sir Bobby told me before the game (the 8-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday in 1999) that I was going to play," Hughes explained while appearing on 'The Athletic' podcast 'Pod on the Tyne'.

"They had the option of bringing in Colin Hendry but he wanted to give youth a chance.

"I was in that position at the time and he gave me the chance. As a young player, to know he had the option of being able to buy someone, an established senior player with vast experience who could have done well, to give a youngster like me a chance straight off the bat gave me a lot of confidence.

"I knew if I worked hard I would get a chance under this manager."

On Robson, Hughes added: "He was fantastic and I really wish I had spent more time picking his brains and asking him more questions.

"It is one of the biggest things I regret. Not really appreciating the experience and the players he had worked with and the things he had done.

"Obviously I knew them and I knew who he was and what he had done but everything was the present at Newcastle and trying to do my job for him and impress him there and then.

"Now, looking back, I should have asked more questions, asked him for more stories, asked him what it was like at PSV, at Barcelona, working with Ronaldo.

"He is the type of manager who would have sat and told you about it all day and really give you his time.

"As much as I really appreciated him there is that side where I wish I had more time."