Fulham defender Aaron Hughes has insisted the club will push for a top-10 Premier League spot next season after finishing 12th last term.

The Northern Irishman also has his own ambitions ahead of the new season after losing his spot to Philippe Senderos in the latter half of the campaign.

Martin Jol has already added more competition for the 33-year-old following the recent addition of Atheltic Bilbao’s Fernando Amorebieta.

Hughes said “It’s frustrating sitting on the bench because as a footballer you want to play. It’s always disappointing to lose your place but it’s just been a case of working hard and hoping an opportunity comes around and that will be the case again in August. I’ll be doing my best in pre-season to make sure I’m in the Manager’s thoughts.”

The Northern Ireland international started 26 games for Fulham in all competitions last season but admits that the campaign could have gone better for the team.

“We played really well at times but then had a couple of patches where we just couldn’t win. It would have been nice to have finished in the top half but it wasn’t to be,” he added.

“So the aim for next season will be to try and get back in that top 10. We’ll first look to get to 40 points as we always do and try and push on from there. That’s been the goal for as long as I’ve been here and I’m sure it will be the same next season.”