Hughes to the rescue as O'Neill prepares side for double header
Defender could play role in World Cup qualifiers
The Northern Ireland team are preparing to fly to Italy ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier against San Marino.
Michael O’Neill’s men take on the so-called group minnows tomorrow night –knowing all three points are vital in their bid to qualify for Russia next summer.
It’s the first of a massive cup double header with the Czech Republic lying in wating on Monday night.
Northern Ireland will play both games with an injury-hit squad.
There’s a particular concern in defence with both stalwarts, Craig Cathcart and Gareth McAuley ruled out.
It will mean the possibility of Aaron Hughes playing both games.
O’Neill said: “Aaron’s fitness is fine.
“He hasn’t played the last three weeks for Hearts but that’s more tactical than anything else. They’ve gone from a back three to a back four and he’s the one that’s missed out
“But you’re always concerned when you’ve got our team looking from very strong on that area of the pitch suddenly looks a bit fragile.
“There’s no doubt about that.”
Up front Conor Washington could start ahead of Hughes' team-mate Kyle Lafferty.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s under-21 team are in action tonight – aiming to continue their winning start to European qualifiers.
They face Albania at Mourneview Park.
Paul Smyth has been included in the squad after his move from Linfield to Championship side QPR.
He told Downtown & Cool FM that he was relishing the challenge of being a full-time professional and wants to make his mark in the first team.
“I was playing first team football in Northern Ireland for Linfeld and I am going over there to play in the 23s which is going to be very tough for me because I am not really used to playing English style of football,” he said.
“But it is something new for me and going have to adapt to is quickly and my next target is to push for the first team.”