The Brazilian striker, 21, could return to the side against Paris St Germain in the UEFA Cup at Eastlands 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."

Hughes added: "There will be changes against PSG. We will look to use the squad as we need to give a respite to some key players."

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.

"We came up a little bit short. Our energy levels were not where they need to be to force the issue against a side as good as United. We just needed that spark to our play."

The French side also suffered a loss at the weekend, going down by a single goal to Rennes.

Hughes wants to finish the last two matches - they play Racing Santander in Spain in a fortnight - in style.

He said: "There is a prize to be had. If we are to finish top of the group that is to our benefit. Hopefully that will mean an easier draw in the last 32.

"If we can get a positive result from this match that should be enough and I feel we can make chances at home against any team.

"PSG are a good side. They need a decent result but it just depends on what significance they place on this competition.

"They have changed their team in previous rounds and protected their senior players for league games."