Hughes pleas to Lennon

By Matthew Jones
August 23 2002

Newcastle's Aaron Hughes has urged his Northern Ireland team-mate Neil Lennon to reconsider his decision to quit international football.

Newcastle's Aaron Hughes has urged his Northern Ireland team-mate Neil Lennon to reconsider his decision to quit international football.

Lennon confirmed on Thursday that he was calling time on his career with his country after withdrawing from the Northern Ireland side to face Cyprus on Wednesday, having received a death threat.

Hughes fully understands Lennon's anguish but is hopeful the Celtic midfielder will have a change of heart once the dust has settled on the situation.

"It's such a shame and for someone to threaten a footballer's life because of the club he plays for is a disgrace," said Hughes, who missed the Cyprus game at the request of United manager Sir Bobby Robson.

"We are talking about football here - it's only a game. Most people accept Neil's decision to play for Celtic and I just can't get my head round what happened on Wednesday."

But Hughes added: "If, as I have been told, Neil has decided to retire from international football then it's a sad day and I'm hoping he changes his mind once he's had time to reflect."