Aaron Hughes retires from international duty

Aaron Hughes has been forced to withdraw from the Northern Ireland squad that will take on Estonia and Italy in Euro 2012 qualifiers later this week.

The Fulham defender has been unable to shake off a groin injury and as a result has played his last match for his country.

The 31-year-old announced earlier this year that he was quitting the international game at the conclusion of the Northern Ireland's Championships campaign.

Hughes, who won 79 caps for the Green and Whites, played his last match during last month's 4-1 defeat in Estonia.