Manchester City v FC Twente:MANCHESTER City manager Mark Hughes believes Steve McClaren deserves credit for relaunching his career abroad.

The former England boss is back on home soil with his FC Twente side with a date at Eastlands tonight in the Uefa Cup.

McClaren, 47, has got off to a good start in the Netherlands following the bitter disappointment of having only 18 games in charge of England. He moved to FC Twente in June and they are sixth in the table but only two points behind the leaders.

Hughes said: "Steve has always been one, you feel, who always had his career path mapped out.

"There was always going to be a time when he wanted to ply his trade in a different country. That is what he is doing now and he should be applauded for that.

"He wants to develop as a coach and as a manager. He is obviously enjoying the experience at the moment because results are going for him."

Hughes insists it is vital City win their two home games if they are to progress from the group stages.

His side have struggled on the road and they go into the match on the back of successive defeats to Bolton and Middlesbrough.

He said: "When we play in front of our own fans, there is a freedom in our play. There is a positive attitude in everything we try to do.

"It is important to win our first game, given the make-up of the competition. If you win your home matches it gives you an opportunity to qualify from the group.

"If we can pick up even a point from the two away games, I think that will be enough."

Hughes could have more attacking options tonight as Benjani scored for the reserves this week following a long-standing thigh injury, while Darius Vassell is also back from injury. But Richard Dunne is doubtful after suffering fluid on the knee.