Hughes admits he may leave Motherwell

MOTHERWELL midfielder Stephen Hughes admits he is uncertain where he will be playing next season as he prepares to return to his country's colours.

The 26-year-old is out of contract at Fir Park this summer and has been linked with a number of potential suitors in England and Scotland, including Hearts and his first club Rangers.

Hughes, who will be handed a central midfield role by Scotland manager George Burley for tonight's B international against Northern Ireland in Cumbernauld, insists he has yet to make any firm decision on his future.

"I've not signed anything with anyone," he said. "I was at Rangers for a long time when I was younger, but I don't know what is happening as far as that is concerned. I don't know where I'm going to be next season.

"Hopefully, I can sit down with my manager Mark McGhee at Motherwell soon. He was the only reason I came back to Scotland from Leicester. I have really enjoyed working with him and I've enjoyed my time at Motherwell. But whether I'm at Motherwell or somewhere else next season remains to be seen."

Capped 12 times at under-21 level, Hughes was included in Berti Vogts' first full Scotland squad but has never won a senior cap. "I've had to wait a long time for another opportunity," he said. "Unfortunately I was injured when George Burley wanted to call me into a squad earlier this season, but hopefully I can make the most of this chance."

Burley had to make several changes to his squad for tonight's game as six players withdrew from the original group last week.

Falkirk captain Darren Barr, Celtic full-back Mark Wilson, Kilmarnock midfielder Craig Bryson, West Brom's Graham Dorrans, Preston winger Ross Wallace and Blackburn striker Paul Gallagher all withdrew because of injury or club commitments.

Five players were called up to reinforce the squad – St Mirren full-back Jack Ross, Rangers defender Andy Webster, Inverness midfielder Ian Black, Cardiff City winger Chris Burke and Livingston striker Leigh Griffiths.

Scotland under-21 coach Billy Stark, who will assist Burley tonight, said: "You very rarely have the squad that you originally choose for games like this. But if we get just one player emerging as a candidate for the full squad, it will be worthwhile."