His subsequent spell under manager Billy Paynter at Connah's Quay Nomads yielded significant tactical growth and a Welsh Cup final appearance.
"He really instilled the confidence in me to show my ability and be the player I am," Hughes added.
Looking forward to the upcoming European fixtures against Sabah of Azerbaijan, Hughes acknowledged the internal competition.
"It's going to be tough to cement your place but it's a challenge I'm looking forward to," he said.
The upcoming match represents his debut appearance within the primary UEFA club tournament structure.
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"It'll be my first time in the Champions League so hopefully it'll be a brilliant experience," Hughes concluded.
