Aaron Hughes in no rush over international future
Monday 27 June 2016 14:11, UK
Aaron Hughes has hinted he could extend his international career after the incredible experience of Euro 2016.
Hughes quit international football almost five years ago but was temped back at the start of Michael O'Neill's reign.
The 36-year-old has since become his country's most capped outfield player and took his his tally to 103 appearances in France.
Hughes, who is currently without a club following a brief spell with Melbourne City, was widely tipped to call time on his international career following the last-16 exit to Wales, but the former Newcastle, Aston Villa, Fulham, QPR and Brighton defender is in not rush.
"I'll wait to see what happens in terms of club football and the options I have, I'm really not sure," said Hughes.
"If the right option is there and I can still compete I'd certainly look to carry on if I can.
"I'm a free agent but I was just looking to enjoy this experience, immerse myself in the competition. Now that it's over I'll have a look."
Hughes has been a hugely important player for Northern Ireland since his debut in 1998, captaining the team in historic wins over Spain, England and Sweden.
But he believes the taste of tournament football, particularly the 2-0 win over Ukraine, has been his finest moment yet.
He travelled to France expecting to be a back-up player, but was a beneficiary of O'Neill's bold tactical switch and ended up playing three full matches on the right side of defence.
"I wasn't expecting it to be honest," he said.
"To start three games, (and) come through all but one of the matches, has been a surprise but one I've absolutely relished.
"I never thought I would have the chance to do it and once the disappointment goes I can look back over the last three or four weeks and say it's been the best experience.
"It's got to be the best ever. Just the feeling that day against Ukraine...the emotion, the atmosphere, it was like nothing I've ever experienced."
In all his years donning the green shirt Hughes has never before had to deal with a tournament environment. But such is the unity in the camp, he is already worried about missing his team-mates.
"Everything I've been through with Northern Ireland has been worth it just to be part of this squad, that's something that has made it for me," he said.
"You'd think a group of lads together for four or five weeks would be killing each other but it's not been like that. It's such a good group, one of the hardest things will be to walk away and say cheerio to the lads."
