Source: SKY_Sports
Hughes - Nothing to fear
Aaron Hughes does not believe Northern Ireland have anything to fear in World Cup qualifying Group Three ahead of Wednesday's visit of Slovenia.
Nigel Worthington's side earned a vital home victory over Poland on Saturday to secure top spot in the battle to reach the finals in 2010.
And captain Hughes is now looking to reinforce that position when Slovenia arrive at Windsor Park, live on Sky Sports 3.
Slovenia recorded a 2-0 win in Maribor last October, but Hughes does not believe Northern Ireland, who lost in Slovakia in their opening match of the campaign, deserved to be defeated and he is hoping for a reverse outcome.
He said: "I do not think there is anything to fear in the group. There has not been a team that has steamrollered us.
"We did not deserve to lose those games in Slovakia and Slovenia, so it was hard to take.
"Most of the teams are looking at the top two places and we are no different. We have no less chance than anyone else."
Hughes acknowledges that, with trips to Poland and the Czech Republic still to come, qualification is far from assured, but he remains optimistic.
"We know we have two difficult away games against Poland and the Czech Republic to come but anything could happen," added the Fulham defender.
"To qualify automatically would be anyone's dream. The worst-case scenario would be second place and we would go into the play-offs. We would still be in the competition and still be in with a chance."
Meanwhile, Hughes insists tiredness will not be an issue against Slovenia, despite being forced to play two games in five days.
He added: "We have been very well looked after since Saturday. We did a bit of training on Monday but it was a bit more low key. Then Tuesday it was back to normal and got the lads moving again.
"We are all ready to go again. I think most of lads are used to playing Saturday and midweek. It is nothing new."
