Source: Daily_Mail
Northern Ireland defender Aaron Hughes warns team-mates over Morocco threat
Northern Ireland captain Aaron Hughes has warned his inexperienced team-mates that Marouane Chamakh is unlikely to be their only concern tonight.The in-form Arsenal striker is the obvious dangerman as Morocco visit Belfast for an international friendly, the 26-year-old having already struck eight times for his club this season.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. Be careful: Aaron Hughes (left) has issued a warning to his international team-matesHughes said: 'We know he will be one of the most dangerous players on their side, he's going to be a threat.'With his form at Arsenal at the minute we know the quality he brings to the side. It will be a good test for us - and not just from him, but all over the pitch.'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.'Dangerman: Morocco and Arsenal striker Marouane ChamakhHughes will comfortably be the most-capped Northern Ireland player on display tonight.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.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.The 31-year-old Fulham defender said: 'Everyone is settling really well. 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.'Everyone's adapted pretty quickly and we're looking forward to the game.'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.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.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.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. In charge: Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington'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.'For Morocco the match marks the start of a new era as the first under former Marseille manager Eric Gerets.The Belgian's appointment has been widely welcomed after a decade of under-achievement in the African country.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.'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.' Jennings gets a Premier League billing after impressing at TranmereHughes hopeful of keeping Arsenal target Schwarzer at Craven CottagePires is back! French star to join Villa (at 37) - and Houllier wants Benzema too! Explore more:People: Nigel Worthington, Marouane Chamakh, Maik Taylor Places: Belfast, Morocco, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland