Aaron Hughes set to reach 100 caps for Northern Ireland
Saturday 4 June 2016 23:51, UK
Free agent Aaron Hughes is expected to win his 100th cap when Northern Ireland play Slovakia in Saturday's friendly in Trnava.
The 36-year old, who made his debut against Slovakia in 1998, will become only the 12th Home Nations centurion on a list that includes Sir Bobby Charlton, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and his fellow countryman Pat Jennings.
He will also become the first outfield Northern Ireland player to reach the milestone.
Michael O'Neill was not giving much away on whether Hughes would play but it was O'Neill who helped convince the defender to backtrack on his decision to retire from international football in 2011.
"He wanted to be part of a squad that could do something," O'Neill told Sky Sports News HQ.
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"You want people you can rely on and Aaron is certainly that. He's had a fantastic career and it's fitting he will have the chance to go to a major tournament."
Steven Davis was named as Hughes' successor as captain when O'Neill took over.
"Everyone can learn from him," said the Southampton midfielder. "He's the ultimate professional. I don't remember Hughesy ever having a bad game."
Jonny Evans shared a room with Hughes on international trips when he first made his breakthrough for NI.
"He is fantastic player and person," said Evans. "He's very proactive with his defending and the way he holds the line.
"I hope from a personal point of view that he can go on to reach 100 because it's a massive milestone."
The only Northern Ireland player to pass 100 caps is goalkeeper Jennings who made 119 appearances, and the Northern Irish legend said: "It will be an absolutely fantastic achievement. Nobody deserves it more than Aaron."
Northern Ireland are currently on the longest unbeaten run (11) of any Euro 2016 nation and play Slovakia on Saturday in their final warm-up friendly.
