 Lawrie Sanchez celebrates the World Cup victory over England |
Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez acknowledged that Aaron Hughes' absence would make his side's two remaining World Cup qualifiers "more difficult". Aston Villa player Hughes has been ruled out for three weeks after undergoing a hernia operation.
"But one person's disappointment is another person's opportunity," said the Northern Ireland manager.
Hughes will miss the game against Wales in Belfast on 8 October and the trip to Austria on 12 October.
"The games would have been difficult with Aaron and they will be more difficult without him for sure," added Sanchez.
The Northern Ireland boss pointed out that Stephen Craigan seized his chance to star against Azerbaijan and England and added that Hughes' absence would offer an opportunity to other members of the squad.
"I have no doubt that whoever comes in, whether it is Colin Murdock, Michael Duff or someone else, they will do a good job."
Wolves defender Mark Clyde will again miss out on the qualifiers as he is still ruled out by an ankle injury.
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