Stephen Hughes: I was right to snub Hearts trial for Motherwell

Apr 13 2008 By Mark Guidi

STEPHEN HUGHES ditched a summer move to Hearts after they binned a contract offer and instead told him to prove himself on trial.

But the puzzled midfielder opted to join Motherwell and end his hell frozen out at Leicester.

Hughes is delighted at how it has worked out for him at Fir Park and has no regrets at walking away from the dithering Jambos.

He said: "It was totally weird.

"I thought I was going to sign for Hearts, that everything was sorted. Then the contract offer was pulled and they said they wanted me to go on trial.

"But Well came in for me and I met Mark McGhee. I listened to him and the way he wanted to play football made up my mind.

"We get the ball down and pass it and that's my strength. It has all worked out for the best."

Hughes, who has signed a deal at Fir Park until summer 2009, wants to end a perfect year by helping Well finish third.

And he'd love a repeat of the 1-0 Parkhead scoreline when they face Celtic again today.

It was the first time ex-Rangers player Hughes had ever been in a winning side against the Hoops and he said: "It was nice to finally taste victory against them.

"But Celtic will be wounded and dangerous. They know they have to win this game.

"We won't take anything for granted but will be confident we can do something.

"We will give our lot to finish in third and get into the UEFA Cup next season. It's a great incentive for all the players."

Gaffer McGhee praised his player, saying: "Stephen has been pivotal for us.

"It was great to get him. Hearts' inability to make a decision on him has been our gain."