Mark Hughes has given his support to Roque Santa Cruz, predicting the striker will be a fan favourite when fully fit.

Santa Cruz has been under the radar since making a £17million move from Blackburn Rovers after struggling to overcome a knee problem.

The Paraguayan has fallen out of the rotation as Hughes opted to bring in £50 million duo, Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor.

However, after watching Santa Cruz make his debut as a late substitute in the Sky Blues' 3-1 victory over West Ham on Monday night, Hughes claims that the former Ewood Park hero can join Craig Bellamy as one of the driving forces at Eastlands.

"Certainly there were a few eyebrows raised when I brought Craig to the club," said Hughes of the Welsh marksman.

"People doubted him and his ability. I certainly didn't because I knew what I was getting.

"It will be the same with Roque. I know the talent he has. I know the attributes he has and I know what kind of guy he is.

"He is a driven guy. He is ambitious and he wants to win.

"The challenge is there, not just for him and Craig, but everybody in the squad."

And Santa Cruz is keen to get the opportunity after half a year in the treatment room.

The hitman struggled with knee problems in his final days at Blackburn and those problems returned in the preseason at Eastlands, but the 28-year-old is now ready to prove himself.

"It has been frustrating," he said.

"It is hard for a player not to be involved when the season starts, especially when you are new into the club.

"At the same time I have been very pleased watching the players perform.

"I think we deserve to be where we are in the table because of the hard work we have been doing and the fantastic way we have started the season."