4th – Jeff Hughes – Northern Ireland, 2006
Jeff Hughes’ call-up was certainly a big one, but as Northern Ireland were ranked 96th in the world at the time, I’ve kept it fourth, despite it coming with us as a fourth-tier side.
Hughes arrived at Lincoln City from Larne after progressing through the youth ranks with his hometown club and making his Irish League debut at a young age. Initially a left-back, he quickly evolved into a much more attack-minded player under John Schofield, operating effectively as a wing-back or wide midfielder down the left.
His call-up came in May 2006, at the end of his first season with City. He was a sub for two matches, against Uruguay (lost 1-0) and Romania (lost 2-0), both in the United States.
Hughes became one of the standout figures in City’s run to the 2007 League Two play-offs, but didn’t get another shout from his country. His form at Sincil Bank was enough to attract Championship side Crystal Palace, ending a productive spell with City in which he developed from a promising youngster into one of the division’s most dangerous wide players.
His move to Palace did not work out as hoped, but Hughes went on to carve out a lengthy and varied career across the Football League.
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