Brazilian striker Jo still has a part to play in Manchester City's season despite only playing a bit-part so far. Hughes told the club's official web site: "He's a young player that has come into a league that's a lot stronger than what he was used to. It takes time to settle in, and I think it is harder for forward players acquit themselves straightaway.
"Robinho has, but he's a more experienced player to begin with. Jo has found it a bit of a struggle but he is working hard in training and trying to do the right things. He's a young player with potential, as we knew when he came, but he will get better.
"In certain games I have had other options that I have decided to go with but he is still a big part of what we are doing here."