Hughes Out To Prove Villa Boss Wrong

Last updated : 06 February 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

He may captain his country but he has yet to impress Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

He played in 12 ofVilla's opening 14 matches this season, but was seen as a scapegoat when things went off the rails at Villa Park and they plunged down the league. O'Neill is finding it hard to win over the Villa fans, and Hughes is certainly out of favour.

Hughes: "Being left out of the side is something that happens in football.

"Things are going okay in a sense. The only downside is I am not playing. I am training well, and my confidence is still fine.

"It is just a matter of trying to work my way back in. I have just got to do enough in training and in any games I do play.

"Then maybe I will get a run in the side again. That's my aim."