Hughes happy to take central role

Aaron Hughes is confident he can fill the gaping hole left by injured skipper Olof Mellberg if moved into central defence by Aston Villa manager David O’Leary.

Hughes is a strong candidate to take over from Mellberg, who is likely to miss Villa’s next five games – including the entire festive programme – with a hamstring injury.

Hughes has filled the role before for Newcastle and looks favourite ahead of Mark Delaney, who has been out for a month with a groin injury, to partner Liam Ridgewell against Manchester United on Saturday.

Hughes said: “I don’t know if it will be me playing centre-back but if the manager wants me to go in there I will be fine with that.

“When I started out I played in the middle and most of my appearances for Northern Ireland have been there.

“I only really moved to full-back during the past couple of years at Newcastle.

“When I came to Villa, it was basically to fight for the right-back spot and people like Mark Delaney and Ulises de la Cruz have played there.

“But if I was needed to play anywhere else for the sake of the team, then I’d be willing to do that.”

Mellberg expects to be sidelined for three weeks and it puts a large responsibility on Ridgewell.

The England U21 player has had to operate in the role for most of the season because of Martin Laursen’s long-term knee injury.

Ridgewell recently conceded four penalties in the space of five games but has impressed O’Leary with his character and response to such adversity.