April 5 2007

Michael Hughes

Crystal Palace midfielder MICHAEL HUGHES has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

The former Northern Ireland international underwent surgery on his ankle earlier this week and has been told to rest.

It comes as a major blow to HUGHES who was hoping to use the final few games of the season to earn a new contract.

Manager Peter Taylor said: "MICHAEL HUGHES now is out for the rest of the season.

"He's had a bit of cartilage floating around in his ankle and he had an operation this week after saying that he didn't feel very comfortable and going to see the specialist.

"That bit of cartilage floating around is what has made him uncomfortable for so long."

HUGHES, 35, has been dogged by the injury all season which has restricted him to just 18 appearances.

"He has had a very unlucky season here and I don't think he has been 100 per cent fit at all to be honest," said Taylor.

"He has soldiered on and the consultant said he must have been in a bit of pain and that is what I thought I had noticed, I didn't think he was 100 per cent."