Aaron Hughes: 'Nigel Worthington criticism unfair'

Northern Ireland captain Aaron Hughes has said that criticism of manager Nigel Worthington is "unfair" after their Euro 2012 hopes were dashed by a 4-1 defeat in Estonia.

The side were in with a chance of reaching the play-offs for next year's tournament, but two losses in two games have ended their chances of qualification and raised questions over the manager's future.

"It's a massive disappointment," said Hughes. "At the start of the week we were looking forward to two massive games with a chance of qualifying. Unfortunately it hasn't panned out that way.

"Personally, I think the criticism [of Worthington] can be unfair - we don't set out to be negative.

"At times I actually thought we were the better team, but mistakes cost us and we all have to take responsibility for that."

Northern Ireland currently sit fifth in Group C, five points behind second-placed Serbia, with two games to play.