Hughes gets Northern Ireland call-up

Michael Hughes has been drafted into the Northern Ireland squad for the European Championship qualifiers against Armenia and Greece.

However, Hughes has not played a club match this season and has kept in shape by training with Portsmouth.

The midfielder offered his services to manager Sammy McIlroy after Norwich's Phil Mulryne withdrew with a hip injury.

And McIlroy said: "Michael rang me up and offered his services. He has been training hard.

"I was impressed with his attitude and told him to come along. After all he is a quality player."

Hughes has found himself out in the cold because of a contract row involving Wimbledon and Birmingham.

He is due to attend a hearing in April when he is hoping to receive compensation for loss of earnings.

McIlroy knows Hughes lacks match fitness, but said: "It will be a bit of a bonus to have him on the bench, knowing I can throw him on if need be late in the game."

Hughes is thrilled to be back with the squad, who fly out to the Armenian capital Yerevan on Thursday.

"I'm delighted to be joining up with the boys," Hughes told the Belfast Telegraph.

"I love playing for Northern Ireland and wouldn't miss any games unless there was something wrong with me.

"My fitness is okay - obviously it is not perfect but if needed in the latter stages I'll be ready."