Hughes talks up Wright-Phillips
Wright-Phillips, 26, has bedded in quickly on his return to Eastlands following his £9 million (€11.3m) move from Chelsea in August.
Hughes said: “Shaun has been excellent since he came back. He is far and away a better player than when he left the club.
“That is down to three years more experience and three years at a top club, working with top players and winning trophies.
“That changes your mentality and your outlook to teamwork. We are reaping the benefit.”
Wright-Phillips looks certain to start when City aim to build on a 2-1 lead against AC Omonia in the second leg of the UEFA Cup first-round tie tonight (7.45pm).
Hughes is anxious to secure a place in the group stages and feels the fans’ favourite can play a big role in the weeks and months to come.
“This is very much Shaun’s club and you can see that,” said the City boss. “He is playing with a smile on his face.
“He was sidelined for too long at Chelsea but now he is reminding people he is an exceptionally gifted player.
“He is one of those guys who needs to feel wanted and is a key element of what we’re trying to do here.”
Hughes is expected to name a strong side, even though City face Liverpool at home on Sunday.
He wants his side to bounce back following the defeat by Wigan last Sunday but feels it will take time for new players like Robinho to settle in.
Hughes said: “We are a young team in terms of years, experience and development. A number of players have been added to the team, guys who have no experience of the Premier League.
“It will take a little bit of time for them to get used to that. The more games we play together, the better we will become.”
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