Hughes hails winger's ability

Wright-Phillips: Impressing for City

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Mark Hughes admits Shaun Wright-Phillips has proved to be an even better player than he imagined since the winger's return to Manchester City.

Wright-Phillips rejoined City in a £9million deal in August, just three years after he cost Chelsea in excess of double that amount.

The 27-year-old has impressed for City and has also forced his way into Fabio Capello's England plans after starting Wednesday's friendly win in Germany.

City boss Hughes praised Wright-Phillips' display against Germany and also the impact the nimble wide man has had since moving back to the club.

No surprise

"Shaun is playing exceptionally well at the moment and it doesn't surprise me that he had an impact on Wednesday night," said Hughes.

"The one thing that struck me since we were able to bring him back to the club is that he's actually a lot better player than even I thought he was.

"People don't really appreciate the quality he has until you actually see it first hand in the way he applies himself and the effect that he can have on the game in a positive manner."

Wright-Phillips faces stiff competition to keep his place in the England side, but Hughes has backed him to maintain the form he has shown so far this season.

Hughes added: "He has to keep playing as well as he has been doing this year, but there's no reason why he can't continue with the current form he's producing because he's a very talented player.

"We are really pleased that people maybe once again are sitting up and taking notice of Shaun because he deserves it because of the quality of his play."