Hughes eyes Jo impact

Man City boss delighted to have Brazilian back

Last updated: 28th August 2008

jo Manchester City

Jo: Praised by Hughes

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Mark Hughes has expressed his delight at the return of Jo from the Olympic Games.

The Manchester City manager has had few attacking options available to him so far this season after losing the likes of Valeri Bojinov, Benjani and Darius Vassell to injury.

Jo has been away with the Brazil team in China but returned over the weekend and has impressed Hughes.

"He trained yesterday for the first time back with the group," Hughes said in the Daily Star.

"He looked sharp, like he had enjoyed the experience, and we hope to tap into that.

"We had a glimpse of him before he left for the Olympics, so it has been frustrating that we haven't had him available until now.

"But he's a good player, an exceptionally talented young man and he's a good option for us."

Jo is likely to go straight into the side for Thursday's Uefa Cup qualifier against FC Midtjylland, with City looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit.

"Jo gives us more presence than maybe we had in the first game," Hughes admitted.

"We don't expect too much too soon but he is looking forward to kick-starting his career with us."