A Break From The Stress Of Relagation For Ex-Toon Defender!

The former Newcastle full-back has the threat of relegation hanging over his head when he leads out his country against eastern European minnows Georgia at Windsor Park.

But 28-year-old Hughes is determined to put any thoughts of club football to the back of his mind - even if it is for one night only.

Hughes: "Coming back to Northern Ireland for this friendly helps to take my mind off our battle against relegation.

"Every game is important at the minute for us, and every time we go into training we are working on different things to try to improve our game so that we are ready for another scrap come match day.

"The fact I have been able to come away for a few days is a pleasant change and distraction. We'll get the game out of the way and then come Thursday we'll return to our clubs and concentrate on the weekend games.

"It's nice to be able to meet up with the lads and have something fresh in your mind to think about."