Hughsie Chasing New Deal

Hughes has been included in manager Steve Bruce's 16-man squad for the last couple of games and although he did not play from the start of the most recent game against Charlton his second half introduction brightened up Blues' attacking play.

Now Hughsie, who is one of the longest serving players at the club, is hoping for continued inclusion in Bruce's plans in the hope of being offered a new deal before his present contract expires next summer.

"Things can change very quickly in football and every chance I get I want to take. I thought I did all right when I came on against Charlton," said Hughsie.

"I was called back into things at the end of last season, scored some important goals but was then not involved again at the start of this season.

"I was a bit disappointed but now I am back in the fold. I am playing for a new contract at this club. Everyone knows what I can do.

"If I perform like I know I can, I am sure the board will think about giving me a new contract. We'll see how it goes.

"The club offered me a new contract in the summer and I turned it down. Hopefully the club will come back with something.

"If not, then I'll be a Bosman free transfer in the summer. But if I do end up leaving at the end of the season, I want to go out on a high."