Hughes will protect Tugay
16 Feb 2007 - 12:10:38
Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes has vowed to protect veteran midfielder Tugay during a busy period of the season for the Ewood Park club.
Tugay has been in impressive form for Rovers this season, but Hughes has vowed to rest the 36-year-old Turkey international should he show signs of tiredness.
Rovers have already lost key players Robbie Savage and Andre Ooijer to broken legs, while Morten Gamst Pedersen will miss Saturday's FA Cup fifth round trip to Arsenal with a thigh injury.
"Tugay has been a big player this season and played a lot of games. I have to protect him because he is an influential player for us," confirmed Hughes.
"We have big games coming up two or three times a week until the end of May. It is a big ask and at times he will have to be rested.
"Tugay is an honest man and aware of his limitations with regard to the physical side of the game.
"He knows his own body and if he feels he is not able to hit the levels that we know he can, we can make a decision."
