Hughes: Villa move has reignited career
Aaron Hughes will lead out Northern Ireland tomorrow content in the belief his club career is back on track.
The 25-year-old defender has become a regular at Aston Villa after his summer move from Newcastle, where he spent nine years.
He said: “While I was sad to leave I knew I was moving to a big club.
“I made the right decision as I was not guaranteed a place at Newcastle.
“With Villa though I know as long as I am performing every week I will be the right-back.
“Everything is going fine. This is a well-run club and from day one they had made me part of the family.”
Hughes has become a versatile player for Northern Ireland, not to mention an influential one.
He is likely to partner Motherwell’s Stephen Craigan at the heart of the defence for the World Cup qualifier against England tomorrow at Windsor Park.
The pair know they will have their work cut out especially as Michael Owen is back after suspension and ready for his first match since sealing a move to Hughes’ former club Newcastle.
Hughes believes both the club and the player will benefit.
“Everyone has been lifted by the arrival of Michael Owen,” he said. “The doom and gloom that followed the defeat by Manchester United quickly evaporated.
“It was just amazing that thousands of Newcastle fans turned up to see him but that is the way it is up there. They are so passionate about their football.
“The fans love big names but especially strikers and those who can score goals.
“It is fantastic for the town and I am sure it will work out to be a good move for Michael.”
