NEWPORT County fans favourite Craig Hughes has hailed the past week as the club’s best of the season.

County face the tough trip to AFC Wimbledon tomorrow (kick off 3pm) full of confidence after holding Blue Square Premier outfit Rushden & Diamonds in two FA Trophy games and with morale further boosted by the probable return of former captain Ian Hillier.

Of everyone at the club Hughes was hit hardest by the Hillier saga, seeing his best friend sacked after breaking his leg while working as a tree surgeon’s assistant and having to worry about two appeal hearings. The delight for Hughes in seeing the situation resolved is clear for all to see.

“It’s great news that Ian looks likely to be coming back,” said Hughes. “He’s my best mate and I got him the job where he hurt himself so it was very difficult for me.

“It was a desperate situation but he’s been working really hard in rehab and I’m sure he’ll come back stronger. He’s a winner.

“All the players were delighted to hear the news and, on top of the way we played against Rushden in both games, it’s been a really good week – the best for a long time.”

Exiles boss Dean Holdsworth will be hopeful that the feel-good factor continues after tomorrow’s visit to his former club, who currently lie fourth in the Blue Square South table, and Hughes is confident they can keep the good run going.

“It’s a tough game, they have shown they are a good side,” said Hughes. “They beat us 4-1 on the opening day but all their goals came from our mistakes.

“We are looking a lot more solid now and we are cutting out the errors so we go there with lots of confidence,” he added.

One reason for County’s new-found solidity is the adoption of a five-man midfield and Hughes has played a key part playing wide on the left.

It’s a role that the new father, who celebrated his 30th birthday yesterday, has found tricky but it’s a sign of his growing maturity both on and off the pitch that he has worked so hard to learn a new set of skills.

“It has been strange for me adapting to playing as a left midfielder,” said Hughes.

“I always considered myself a striker but I haven’t been all season. Some people look at me and say I don’t score goals anymore but I’ve had to sacrifice that side of my game for the good of the team and I take pride in doing a good job.