Fulham defender Aaron Hughes has been convinced to come out of international retirement for Northern Ireland by boss Michael O'Neill.
Full-back will return for the World Cup qualifiers
Fulham defender Aaron Hughes has been convinced to come out of international retirement for Northern Ireland by boss Michael O'Neill.
The 32-year-old announced an end to his international career last September before injury kept him out of the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Estonia and Italy.
Hughes was targeted by O'Neil when he started work as Nigel Worthington's successor as Northern Ireland boss at the turn of the year.
Captain
The Fulham man made his debut in 1998 and was national captain at the time of his retirement with a total of 79 caps to his name.
"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," Hughes said.
"I am proud to represent my country and it is my aim to contribute as much as I possibly can for the upcoming matches."
O'Neill's decision to appoint Fulham first-team coach Billy McKinlay as his number two gave him a direct line to Hughes which played a part in Hughes' decision to return.
Qualify
"After speaking with the new manager, Michael O'Neill, and also Billy McKinlay, I feel I would like to once again return, and try to help us qualify for the next World Cup.
The experienced defender is likely to feature in the first-team squad, announced on Monday, to face Norway in a friendly at Windsor Park on 29th February.
