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HUGHES HAILS BOJINOV POTENTIAL

Bojinov - back after long-term injury.

Valeri Bojinov has the potential to be a "matchwinner" this season, according to Manchester City manager Mark Hughes.

Bulgaria striker Bojinov is pushing for a place in the starting line-up against Aston Villa on Sunday after recovering from a long-term knee injury.

Almost a year ago to the day he was looking forward to building on a fine start after arriving from Fiorentina when he damaged ligaments in the derby victory against Manchester United.

Such was the extent of the problem - and his rehabilitation - Bojinov never played for the the first team again in that campaign under Sven-Goran Eriksson.

However he has shown signs in pre-season and most recently in the UEFA Cup first-leg defeat by FC Midtjylland in midweek he could be the answer to City's current problems.

With Jo, Benjani Mwaruwari and Darius Vassell all absent, Hughes is down on numbers in that department.

The City boss decided to start the match against the Danes with teenagers Daniel Sturridge and Felipe Caicedo. The more experienced duo of Rolando Bianchi and Nery Castillo were not even among the substitutes.

Bojinov looked lively when he came off the bench to give Hughes another option.

Hughes said: "Valeri had a really bad injury but it looks as though he has come through that.

"I think everyone enjoys the way he plays. He plays with a smile on his face and when he scores there is always a great celebration.

"We are delighted he is back. It is like having a new signing as he's had hardly any football here.

"Valeri is looking strong and has the potential to be a match-winner this year. We are looking to bring him on and give him more game time."

Former Blackburn boss Hughes is hoping to put a difficult week behind him when they face Villa.

City looked short of match fitness and confidence when they lost to the Danish side.

Hughes, however, believes there will be a big improvement in their performance when they open their Premier League campaign.

He said: "If we start winning games early the confidence in what we say and tell the players will rise as a consequence.

"The spotlight at Blackburn was not as great as here and anything or any issue will be highlighted ten-fold.

"But I am stimulated by the challenge at City. I want to be tested and move a big club forward."