Aaron Hughes named as Kerala Blasters marquee player

Kerala Blasters on Thursday revealed its latest addition with the signing of Northern Ireland's, Aaron Hughes, who recently played in Euro Cup 2016.

An experienced campaigner and veteran international, Hughes will be Kerala Blasters FC's marquee player for the upcoming edition of the Indian Super League.

Known as a cultured defender, Aaron Hughes is the most capped outfield player in Northern Ireland's history and has captained Northern Ireland on forty-six occasions to date after his first captaincy in April 2002. After having played for U16, U18 and 'B' level, his debut in international football came in March 1998 against Slovakia, and he has since earned 103 caps for Northern Ireland.

A dramatic debut with Newcastle United FC at the age of 18 in 1997 lead to 278 appearances for the Magpies before moving to Aston Villa FC for two seasons. This was followed by a very successful seven years at Fulham and later brief stints with Queens Park Rangers, Brighton & Hove Albion and Melbourne City.

Steve Coppell said, "Aaron Hughes' as a marquee player bringing a wealth of experience, he will also mentor the players. I am looking forward to working with him.