Saval's off-field initiatives and vision have helped to make them one of the most ambitious clubs in the province but on Sunday flying forward Hughes will transfer his drive for more success onto the inter-county stage when he lines out for Down against Tyrone in the Ulster Championship quarter-final at Omagh (3.45pm).

The quietly-spoken Hughes, a busy accountant, was Down's leading scorer during their lucrative Gaelic Life Dr McKenna Cup campaign and maintained his strike rate over the course of the National League.

Now, though, Hughes is particularly keen to hit the jackpot against a Tyrone side who are regarded as warm favourites to book a semi-final meeting with either Armagh or Cavan.

"This is a huge test for us, particularly after the manner in which we finished our league programme," maintains Hughes.

"We had been in the frame for promotion to Division Two but then lost our way a bit over our last couple of games.

"That was very disappointing but now we are getting a big chance to show our character and skill."

Last year Down were eased out of the Ulster Championship by Monaghan at Newry and Hughes retains painful memories of that reversal.

"We conceded a couple of goals in that game and that's something that we certainly cannot afford to do against Tyrone," he admitted.

"People are saying that ourselves and Tyrone are going into this game against a very quiet backdrop but the level of preparation within both counties is very intense."

His pace, distribution and finishing skills will help to underpin a Down attack in which Benny Coulter and Ronan Sexton will also be key figures.

The Mourne team's experience up front will certainly be required against a Tyrone defence laden with double All-Ireland winners, of course.

"Tyrone have huge experience. They will be playing at home, too, and don't forget, they were in Division One of the National League while we were in Division Three," he added.

"Still, we have belief and commitment although we are fully aware that we will need to step up considerably on our recent performances if we are to have a chance of winning."

Down fans have become rather resigned to false dawns in the Championship and many will travel to Omagh more in hope than expectation — and that's one of the reasons why the team is keen to deliver.

"We would like to repay their faith by getting into the last four. We know that the ball is in our court," concluded Hughes.