Aaron Hughes was Sammy McIlroy's skipper in recent games

Northern Ireland captain Aaron Hughes has hinted that he believes Sammy McIlroy's successor as international manager should be a local man.

"Sammy was ideal - because he was local he knew all about it," the Newcastle defender told the BBC.

"I think to go along those same lines would be a good idea".

Hughes was in Belfast on Monday to promote a new Fair Play appeal in sport being aimed at young people and youth leaders.

Iain Dowie is the favourite to take over from McIlroy while Gerry Armstrong and Jimmy Nicholl are also thought to be in contention.