New goal for forgotten Hughes

If Stephen Hughes makes just one Premiership appearance in the coming months he will consider his season a huge success.

Most players set themselves ambitious targets at the start of the new campaign but the former Arsenal midfielder has already exceeded his wildest expectations - he is kicking a football again. Hughes has not played a first-team game for almost two years and there was a time when he feared he may not train again.

The 27-year-old suffered blood poisoning after undergoing groin surgery at Watford in October 2001, condemning him to months of tortuous rehabilitation.

His recovery was hardly helped when Watford, hamstrung by financial constraints, chose to release him this summer before Charlton gave him a lifeline. Manager Alan Curbishley invited Hughes to train with the squad during preseason and, impressed by his commitment, has given him a further opportunity in the form of a sixmonth contract.

There can be few better places to convalesce than The Valley and although he will almost certainly not be a starter in tonight's game against former club Everton, he is just glad to be a contender again.

Hughes said: "After my surgery I wondered if I'd ever play again but luckily I'm back. During the rehab the only thing on my mind was playing football again and I've got the chance to do that now. I don't want this to sound like a sob story but everything from now on is a bonus.

"Everyone says a week is a long time in football, but try two years! People soon forget about you. I'm just grateful I've got a really close family and good friends who kept me sane.

It was very tough mentally and I put on a lot of weight. At the start of the summer I was unfit and had barely kicked a ball, but Alan Curbishley gave me a chance that I'm massively thankful for. I gave it everything in pre-season and I'm starting to feel good again."

A product of the Arsenal youth system, Hughes has not fulfilled his early promise. He made only 30 appearances after a £3million move to Everton before joining Watford, but refuses to dwell on the past.

He said: "My illness gave me a totally different outlook on life. I've come back stronger but my targets have changed. Even playing for the reserves last Monday was very enjoyable and gave me a massive sense of achievement." Hughes is relishing tonight's visit from his old club Everton. He said: "I really enjoyed my time at Goodison, but I'll be cheering on Charlton tonight."

Charlton v Everton, The Valley, tonight, 8pm.

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