Hero Hughes treads the hallowed turf


I have missed the handful of Ballymena friendlies played thus far this season, including a fine 2-0 win against St Johnstone.
This Saturday, however I will be in attendance, as the real Sky Blues play another team who answer to the same nickname: Coventry City.
Happily there is a tremendous bonus as it transpires that Northern Ireland's legendary winger Michael Hughes is likely to play some part in the game.
OWC supporters have many happy memories of Hughes, who began his career as a skillful, pacy wide player and has evolved into a crafty midfielder as age has diminished his pace. Who can forget his brilliant goal against Germany which put us into the lead deep into the 2nd half and awoke the beast of Oliver Bierhoff, Northern Ireland eventually being defeated 3-1?
Michael won the last of 71 caps at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff in 2004 and copper-fastened his cult status with a fine challenge on Robbie Savage, which saw the little Larne man picking up a red card and a 3 match ban. He wishes to be reconsidered for internationals under Nigel Worthington, and who would rule out a final appearance in a green shirt to culminate a fine international career?
I'm delighted at the prospect of seeing Hughsie ply his trade again on Saturday. Match kicks off at 3pm at the Warden Street Showgrounds.

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