Source: Team_Talk
Hughes wary of Morocco threat
orthern Ireland captain Aaron Hughes has warned his team-mates that Marouane Chamakh is unlikely to be their only concern.[LNB] The in-form Arsenal striker is the obvious dangerman as Morocco visit Belfast for an international friendly on Wednesday, the 26-year-old having already struck eight times for his club this season.[LNB]But Hughes, who will be winning his 75th cap, is experienced enough to know that danger can come from anywhere on the pitch when playing at the highest level.[LNB]Hughes said: "We know he will be one of the most dangerous players on their side, he's going to be a threat.[LNB]"With his form at Arsenal at the minute we know the quality he brings to the side.[LNB]"It will be a good test for us - and not just from him, but all over the pitch.[LNB]"It will be a good test not only because of the quality of their side but also the fact a lot of us are in the squad together for the first time. We have so many young players or inexperienced players."[LNB]Hughes will comfortably be the most-capped Northern Ireland player on display. He will also be just one of three survivors from last month's frustrating Euro 2012 qualifying draw in the Faroe Islands following a raft of withdrawals.[LNB]Manager Nigel Worthington has turned to the Under-21s to help replenish numbers and Hughes has been impressed with how well the recruits have fitted in.[LNB]The 31-year-old Fulham defender said: "Everyone is settling really well.[LNB]"There are a lot of new faces in the squad but a lot of the lads have played together know each other from the Under-21s.[LNB]"Everyone's adapted pretty quickly and we're looking forward to the game."[LNB]Worthington, who named his team yesterday, has decided to award new caps to Preston midfielder Adam Barton - who is also eligible for England - and Watford defender Lee Hodson.[LNB]Inverness keeper Jonny Tuffey will take over from injured veteran Maik Taylor while Plymouth striker Rory Patterson will lead the attack with Chris Brunt playing just behind him.[LNB]Brunt has excelled on the wing for West Brom so far this term but Worthington wants to see if his talents can also be utilised up font.[LNB]Hughes said: "It gives a manager the chance to look at different things, whether it is players playing in different positions, new faces coming in or players that haven't played often.[LNB]"So when the qualifiers come round if he feels he needs to change things around, or we have other injuries, he has a better idea where to call from."[LNB]For Morocco the match marks the start of a new era as the first under former Marseille manager Eric Gerets.[LNB]The Belgian's appointment has been widely welcomed after a decade of under-achievement in the African country.[LNB]Chamakh said: "He's trying to create an ambience, a group, and I think the result of the match on Wednesday isn't too important.[LNB]The aim of this match is to confirm what we did in the previous match... the good relations with the team-mates, to confirm that."[LNB]
