Manchester City manager Mark Hughes feels the penny may have finally dropped with the talented Elano.

Hughes says that despite the fact the player publicly criticised him this season, he is now beginning to find his feet and is on the verge of becoming a very important player at Eastlands.

"At times Elano is frustrated," Hughes said of he Brazilian scored midweek in an international friendly against World Cup holders Italy.

"He's one of those players who finds it difficult if he's not in the starting XI but I think he understands now that I am trying to build a squad and understands where the club wants to go.

"He's settled down in that respect. He's got a big part to play and he knows that.

"Robinho and Elano were excellent against Italy and I'm pleased that they were able to score.

"Most people will come back from international duty with a spring in their step and there certainly won't be a detrimental effect for the weekend from our point of view."