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. 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.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."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."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."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."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."Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington, whose own contract is yet to be renewed beyond the current campaign, offered a glowing tribute to his skipper."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."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."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."Hughes has earned 79 caps after debuting against Slovakia in 1998 and scored his first and only goal against the Faroe Islands in August.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.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.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.

Source: Team_Talk