Hughes tips Jo to click

Date published: 03 December 2008


MANCHESTER City manager Mark Hughes is convinced £18million summer signing Jo will prove his worth at Eastlands.

The Brazilian striker (21) could return to the side against Paris St Germain in the UEFA Cup at Eastlands tonight after recently being on the fringes.

While Robinho has settled in quickly following his summer move, Jo has struggled to adapt after arriving from CSKA Moscow.

Hughes, however, believes Jo will come good.

“He is a young player who has come into a stronger league than he has been used to, “ said the City boss. “It takes time and it is harder for forwards to integrate straight away. Robinho has been able to adapt quicker but he is a more experienced player.

“Jo has found it a little bit of a struggle but he is working hard in training. He will get better.”

City are looking to record their third successive victory in the group – they have already qualified for the last 32 – and Hughes wants a positive response following the defeat by Manchester United.

“We need to pick ourselves up very quickly, “ he said. “No–one likes losing any game, least of all a derby.”