ALBION boss Sami Hyypia has urged Northern Ireland not to take any risks with Aaron Hughes.

The Irish are desperate for the vastly experienced defender to feature in their table-topping Euro 2016 qualifying tussle in Romania on Friday night following his swift recovery from an ankle injury in the Seagulls’ last away game at Bournemouth.

Hyypia needs Hughes too at Norwich eight days later to deputise at centre-half for Lewis Dunk, who is suspended after a fifth booking in the 1-1 home draw against Blackburn.

Hughes linked up with the Irish squad in London yesterday. Hyypia told The Argus: “They’ll assess his injury. The doctor will have a look and make the final decision. That’s how it goes, we can’t stop him or them from doing that.

“If he is fit and stays fit I don’t have any problem with that. Hopefully they won’t take unnecessary risks. We will make contact with them anyway and try to make a reasonable decision with each other.

“I’m not a doctor but it depends also on how he feels. I think Aaron is experienced enough that if he feels there is a big risk and he could be out for a longer while I am counting on him knowing that he is going to say to the coach he can’t play.

“But if he feels okay and feels he can go through the game I think he’ll say that as well. When you are a bit older you know your body a little bit better and you know which injuries are serious or when you can take a little risk.”

The stalemate against Rovers means Albion head into the international break still 20th in the Championship, a point above the relegation zone.