He played more than 50 games during the 1985–86 season as Bury struggled to a 20th-place finish in the division. In spite of the team's poor league position, Hughes was selected for the Northern Ireland squad for the 1986 FIFA World Cup. He played 32 league matches the following season before a serious shoulder injury curtailed his campaign.
He participated in more than 50 games during the 1985–86 season as Bury ended up in 20th place in their division. Despite the team's poor league standing, Hughes was chosen for the Northern Ireland squad for the 1986 FIFA World Cup. He played 32 league matches the subsequent year before a significant shoulder injury halted his campaign.