Ooijer has played over 30 times for Holland

Rovers exercised their right to extend the 33-year-old Dutchman's original two-year contract for a further twelve months earlier this week.

Hughes told BBC Radio Lancashire: "It was always our intention to take the option up.

"He's had some bad injuries but has bounced back and he's a big influence."

Ooijer captained Rovers in recent matches in the absence of club captain Ryan Nelsen, but missed last weekend's 4-1 victory over Bolton with a hamstring strain.

"He'll say his piece and nobody takes exception to it because he's got vast experience and knows what he's talking about," Hughes added.

"Take away the opening weeks of Andre's time here, which I take the blame for because I threw him in at the deep end, he's been an outstanding player.

"He has a real voice in the dressing room and it's really important we keep players like him in the football club because you can't have too many of them."