February 18 2005

Michael Hughes

Crystal Palace skipper Michael Hughes is hoping to resume his international career with Northern Ireland next season, once he has safeguarded the Eagles' Premiership future, by Stuart Pink.

The 33-year-old midfielder is currently serving a three match ban for his infamous challenge on Robbie Savage during the Wales v Northern Ireland World Cup qualifier last September, but Hughes has put international retirement plans on hold for the moment and is eyeing England's visit to Windsor Park for his return.

Hughes said: "I had a chat with Lawrie Sanchez and I'll probably go back and have a go, but this season for me is all about Palace.

"It's about putting all my strengths into the Premiership.

"If I can do that this season I will probably go back and play next season, if they still want me to.

"But this is the priority for me this season and that's what I told Lawrie, so that's how we left it."

Hughes, who has won 66 caps, is disappointed to miss out on his country's clash with England at Old Trafford next month, but is firmly looking forward to the return fixture in Belfast in September.

Hughes said: "It's a great game to play in. It's a massive game, it's huge, so it's always disappointing to miss such a high profile game.

"I've never played against England at international level, so I hope to play in the one against England in Belfast and that will be a special game so if I'm involved in that I will be overjoyed."

The former Wimbledon man has been one of Palace's most consistent performers this campaign and has been rewarded with a contract extension, after triggering off a clause in his contract by playing a certain number of games.

But Hughes is confident he can maintain his form at this level, especially if he continues to look after himself off the pitch.

Hughes said: "I think players are looking after themselves now more than they have ever done, I'm looking after myself better than I ever have, I live like a monk.

"That's the only way to prolong it, you can't do it any other way. You have to make sacrifices to play at the top level and as you get older probably even more so. So I'm doing everything I can do to give myself an extra couple of years."

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