Aaron has a big call to make this summer
Aaron Hughes concedes Hearts’ Premiership finale against Kilmarnock could be his farewell to club football, as he weighs up whether to extend his career beyond the summer.
The Northern Ireland legend – the mostcapped defender in British history with 110 appearances for his country, will travel to Panama and Costa Rica for international friendlies next month before making one of the toughest decisions of his life.
At 38, Hughes strolled through Wednesday’s Edinburgh derby victory against Hibs and, barring a few niggling injuries and the odd aching limb, looks physically able. However, the mental rigours he would be signing up for if he pens the one-year deal which is on the table at Tynecastle are another matter entirely. Hughes is adamant he has no desire to switch clubs, ensuring the former Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Fulham favourite closes the campaign with a straight choice – Hearts or retirement. “Mentally, I need a break to weigh things up, but no decision has been made,” explained Hughes.
“I just need to take some time to decide and make sure that if I come back, I’m fully committed.
“It’s a decision about my entire future as a player. It’s not a matter of looking elsewhere. It’s not a case of seeing if the grass is greener, I’m just at an age where I need to be sure that, whatever decision I make, it’s the right call for me.
“I don’t want to walk away from the game and think, ‘I should have gone another year’.
“Likewise I don’t want to commit to something then realise I can’t maintain the standards I expect of myself.
“That’s the tough side, the mental challenge to keep going.
“It’s not a decision I’ll be making on the back of how my body feels. It’s more about where my head is.”
He added: “Craig Levein has been great. He said I didn’t have to rush a decision and I could take my time. Right at the end of a long season isn’t the right time to make such a big decision.” Levein, however, has made no secret of his desire to secure the services of Hughes for another campaign, citing an invaluable combination of of reliability, versatility and vast experience to pass on to the next generation of teenage talent at Tynecastle.
The jewel in the crown is 17-year-old Harry Cochrane.
“Harry is probably the one that everyone looks at coming through,” Hughes continued.
“Against Hibs, it would be so easy not to show for the ball and get lost in the hype – but nothing fazes him.
“That’s how he is around the lads as well. “He’s not overawed by anything. I’d be very shocked if he wasn’t a Scotland international in the future.”