Richard Hughes Bio Send To Friend  

Richard Hughes joined Portsmouth for £100,000 from AFC Bournemouth in the summer of 2002 with Harry Redknapp earmarking the player as a face for the future.

The combative midfielder, who has proved to be a useful squad player, able to fill a number of roles in the centre of the park, signed a three-year deal at Fratton Park in the summer of 2006.

Hughes began his career with Serie A side Atlanta after his parents had moved to Italy when he was a child.

From Atlanta he spent a year with Arsenal but left Highbury to join Bournemouth in the summer of 1998 after failing to make an appearance.

The midfielder soon settled into the south coast club after making his debut in 2-0 victory over Lincoln City

He gained recognition for his performances at Bournemouth with a call-up to represent Scotland at Under-21 level.

After making his Pompey debut in a 1-1 draw at Sheffield United he struggled to break into the team on a regular basis and was loaned out to Grimsby Town.

Hughes played 12 games for the Mariners, netting in his final match against Brighton & Hove Albion, before resuming his Fratton Park career.

Portsmouth's injury woes handed him a Premiership chance in December 2003, and he remained an important squad member for the remainder of the campaign. Ever since Hughes has had to be content being the archetypal squad player, notching most of his appearances as a substitute.

He made his full debut for Scotland against Estonia in May 2004.