Source: Team_Talk
Hughes calls time on NI career
orthern Ireland captain Aaron Hughes is to retire from international football at the end of the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.[LNB] Hughes, 31, hopes to lead the side out for the final time at Windsor Park against Estonia on October 7 before making his last appearance against Italy four days later.[LNB]The Fulham centre-half wants to prolong his top-flight career for as long as possible and has decided his country's arduous World Cup 2014 qualification schedule - which includes trips to Russia, Azerbaijan and Israel - is a campaign too far.[LNB]"After thinking long and hard, I have decided to retire from international football after the final two Euro 2012 qualifiers, to concentrate on my club career and hopefully prolong it for another few years," Hughes said.[LNB]"I have always felt very proud and privileged to play for my country and it has also been a great honour to captain the side.[LNB]"It has not been an easy decision, however after speaking with players, managers and my family, I knew it was the right time to call it a day. I also knew in my own head it was the right time.[LNB]"I would like to thank everyone for their support over the years - managers, players, fans and my family. I have played under some great managers and have enjoyed every minute playing for Northern Ireland and hopefully we can get a good finish to the Euro 2012 campaign."[LNB]Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington, whose own contract is yet to be renewed beyond the current campaign, offered a glowing tribute to his skipper.[LNB]"After many discussions with Aaron over the last couple of months, Aaron has decided that at the end of the current campaign he will call it a day on his international career," said Worthington.[LNB]"I know this was a difficult decision for Aaron, but it is one we have to respect. Obviously from my point of view and also Northern Ireland's, it is a huge loss.[LNB]"Aaron is a truly excellent professional and a real gentleman. It is always sad to lose a player of Aaron's calibre - but Aaron Hughes is not only a great player, he is a also a great captain and person."[LNB]Hughes has earned 79 caps after debuting against Slovakia in 1998 and scored his first and only goal against the Faroe Islands in August.[LNB]He is the second experienced defender to retire from Northern Ireland duty this year, with Motherwell's Stephen Craigan also calling it a day in July.[LNB]Hughes' absence will be a huge loss for Worthington, or any possible successor, and will likely result in Manchester United's Jonny Evans moving into the centre from his regular full-back berth.[LNB]As for the armband, Rangers midfielder Steven Davis is an obvious contender, though Hughes' Cottagers team-mate Chris Baird is another experienced player and led the team in Serbia on the occasion of his 50th cap.
