Hughes wary of Ronaldo threat

Aaron Hughes expects Cristiano Ronaldo to be at his world-beating best when Northern Ireland take on Portugal tomorrow night.

The Real Madrid superstar is set to win his 100th cap in the World Cup qualifier at Porto’s Dragao Stadium, and few would bet against him marking the occasion in style.

Northern Ireland, albeit weakened by withdrawals, leaked six goals in the Netherlands in a summer friendly and Ronaldo will surely fancy his chances of getting on the scoresheet on his big day.

Fulham centre-half Hughes is one of the men charged with confounding expectations, but he cannot hide his admiration for a player who has scored 14 times in 11 club matches this season.

“I have played a handful of times against him but maybe he has gone to another level since his days in the Premier League, and maybe he can go further,” said Hughes.

“He has gone and become just as successful in Spain and maybe there’s more to come from him.

“I don’t think he has peaked, believe it or not. He is still going and appears to be getting better.

“Lionel Messi and Ronaldo are the two who stand out as the best two in the world.

“The best players play at that level every single night whether it is the first game of the season, a windy night in November or the Champions League, it is just their way.’’