Release Date: 19/02/2012

FULHAM defender Aaron Hughes today announced his return to international football, and outlined his desire to represent Northern Ireland once again.

“I have thought very carefully over recent weeks about returning to play for the National team, since my decision to retire at the end of the last campaign,” said Hughes.

“After speaking with the new manager, Michael O'Neill, and also Billy McKinlay, who I'm obviously close to at Fulham, I feel I would like to once again return, and try to help us qualify for the next World Cup.

“I am proud to represent my country and it is my aim to contribute as much as I possibly can for the upcoming matches.”

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill said: “Aaron and I met during the week and had very positive discussions and I am delighted that he has decided to come out of retirement.   Aaron is a truly excellent professional and this is a massive boost, not only for me, but also for the squad.”

Hughes, who has been capped 79 times for Northern Ireland, made his senior debut on 25 March 1998 at home in a 1-0 friendly win against Slovakia.  He scored his first international goal in Northern Ireland’s 4-0 win in the Euro 2012 qualifier against Faroe Islands at Windsor Park on 10 August last year. 

Hughes’ last game was the Euro 2012 qualifier away to Estonia on 6 September; after injury ruled him out of the last two qualifiers at home to Estonia and away to Italy. 

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