Manchester City FC

• Nickname:
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:
• Capacity:NaN

Hughes backs struggling Jo

03 Dec 2008 - 15:26:49

Click To Enlarge

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has backed Brazilian striker Jo to overcome a slow start to his time in England and become a major player at Eastlands.

The 21-year-old has scored three times in 14 appearances since his arrival from CSKA Moscow, but has made just one start since the end of October.

Hughes told the club's official website: "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's harder for forward players to acquit themselves well straightaway. Robinho has, but he's a more experienced player to begin with.

"Jo has found it a bit of a struggle, but he's 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've had other options that I've decided to go with, but he's still a big part of what we're doing here."