Michael Hughes has had to turn down Sammy McIlroy's offer to link up with the Northern Ireland squad ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Finland.

McIlroy left Hughes out of his squad because the player has not played club football season as a result of a dispute between Birmingham and Wimbledon.

The Northern Ireland manager did invite Hughes to train with the squad but the winger has declined the offer because of a niggling ankle injury.

"It was a nice gesture but I have ankle trouble at the moment which means I won't be able to take up the offer," said Hughes.

"I've been to see a specialist and I've been told that the problem isn't being helped by me running on the roads at the moment.

"But because of my situation, I've got to do something to try and keep myself fit and the moment so there's not a lot I can do apart from running on the roads".

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Hughes' club career has been in limbo for nine months as he waits for the courts to resolve the dispute between Birmingham and Wimbledon.

He joined Birmingham on loan in March 2002, believing he had an agreement on a permanent three-year deal if Birmnigham got promoted to the Premiership.

However, an ankle injury forced Hughes to return to Wimbledon after just three games for the St Andrew's club.

Birmingham then told him the three-year deal was no longer valid because he did not complete the loan spell.

That has left Hughes, 32 next week, without a club to train with since August and he has not received any pay from either club in that time.

"The FA have effectively washed their hands of the situation so all I can do now is to hope that the courts can sort this out.

"I've been told that the case will be heard in March but that's by no means certain because of all the legal issues involved," added Hughes.

His union, the Professional Footballers' Association, are paying Hughes' legal bills.