October 14 2004

Michael Hughes

Palace boss Iain Dowie insists it will be Michael Hughes' decision as to whether or not the midfielder will retire from international football, by Stuart Pink.

The Northern Ireland international has played a pivotal part in Palace's recent revival since his return to the side, which has highlighted talk of the 33-year-old quitting the international scene to concentrate on his Palace career.

Dowie said: "To be fair that's Michael’s decision. Would it please me? As a club manager yes, but not as an international manager or an international fan of Northern Ireland where Michael’s pretty much at the heart of a lot of good things."

Dowie admitted he has spoken to Hughes, who has 66 caps, but the former Wimbledon man will wait until after his international three-match ban, for his infamous exchange with Wales midfielder Robbie Savage, to expire before he decides his future.

But Palace would surely benefit if Hughes was to retire from the international set-up as it would enable him to rest during the international break, which could be a vital factor in him continuing his impressive form this season.

Dowie added: "He's doing terrific for us at the moment, with his energy and desire, he is very much leading on the field. He’s been captain once but he’s led on the field every time he’s played.

"I would say he’s been right at the heart of our improvement in form, he’s done brilliantly as has Aki, they’ve done well as a pair and with Ben in there it’s been a good breeding ground for Ben to play alongside.”

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