Hughes is one of the Premier Leagues most versatile players, having spent time across the back four aswell as in midfield
The wholehearted centre-back was one of Fulham’s more consistent performers during their disappointing 2007/08 campaign, with only Paul Konchesky and Simon Davies starting more league games.
A commanding figure in the air, Hughes played more than 200 league games for Newcastle in nearly a decade at St James’ Park before joining Aston Villa in 2005. After two years in the Midlands he followed international boss Lawrie Sanchez to SW6 for £1 million in the summer of 2007.
Though defence is arguably his strongest suit – he has played everywhere across the back line – he has also figured in midfield. He won his 50th international cap in March 2008 in Northern Ireland’s 4-1 thumping of Georgia.