Michael Hughes has delayed his urgent groin operations to help Northern Ireland's Euro 2000 qualifying campaign.

The Wimbledon winger has been playing with the double injury for some months and he is unable to train properly between games.

Wimbledon's season is all but over and they have virtually guaranteed Premiership survival, but Hughes has put off surgery until after Northern Ireland's doubleheader against Germany and Moldova.

He does not want to miss the two Group Three matches against the Germans tomorrow and then the Moldovans next Wednesday, which could make or break Irish qualification hopes.

Hughes will go under the scalpel after Wimbledon's league game against Manchester United on Easter Saturday, and he will then be out for the rest of the season.

"I'm having it done straight after these two Northern Ireland games and then the game against United the following Saturday," he said. "Hopefully I can get pencilled in for some time that week."

Team manager Lawrie McMenemy is delighted by Hughes's sacrifice for Northern Ireland, particularly because Keith Gillespie missed training today with a hamstring problem.

Birmingham's Jon McCarthy is ready to fill the Blackburn winger's boots should he not recover in time.

Newcastle defender Aaron Hughes is also doubtful and he sat out the session, even though he has recovered from a stomach bug.