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Hughes looks to get back to basics

Poland v N Ireland: Aaron Hughes insists Northern Ireland have to get back to basics or their World Cup qualifying campaign …

Wed Mar 30 2005 - 01:00

Poland v N Ireland: Aaron Hughes insists Northern Ireland have to get back to basics or their World Cup qualifying campaign will fall apart. Anything less that a victory against high-flying Poland today will see their slim play-off hopes eroded.

Newcastle defender Hughes hopes there is no repeat of the second-half show against England at the weekend. Northern Ireland conceded four goals in a sloppy display after 45 minutes in which they blocked out the opposition. They cannot afford to be as generous against the Poles, who go into the game after an 8-0 victory against Azerbaijan.

"We have got to be fully focused and cut out the errors," said the Northern Ireland captain. "If the opposition get ahead we have to try to shut up shop for the next 15 minutes. It is important we get ourselves back on track but only time will tell if we are getting the mindset right after conceding a goal.

"We are aware of what Poland can do although I was a bit shocked at how big their victory was at the weekend."

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Manager Lawrie Sanchez is looking for Hughes to lead by example. "I have told Aaron I am quite happy for him to take charge on field," he said. "But we could do with three or four of the more experienced players to take that kind of responsibility."

With three draws and two defeats in the group, Sanchez is still looking for his first victory in a competitive game. He looks set to recall Aston Villa midfielder Steven Davis as Damien Johnson is suspended. Davis was surprisingly left on the bench against England after making an impressive debut in the defeat by Canada in a friendly in February.

Sheffield Wednesday striker James Quinn is likely to partner David Healy up front after missing the game at Old Trafford through suspension. Chris Baird of Southampton should retain his place at the back after recovering from a stomach virus.

Sanchez knows it will be tough against Poland, a team he says that have strength in depth. "They are real dark horses, a very efficient and very athletic team."

NORTHERN IRELAND (from): Taylor (Birmingham City), Baird (Southampton), Murdock (Crewe), Hughes (Newcastle Utd), Capaldi (Plymouth), Gillespie (Leicester City), Davis (Aston Villa), Doherty (Bristol City), Elliott (Hull), Quinn (Sheffield Wed), Healy (Leeds Utd).