After resting Kevin McDonald for the Carabao Cup match, Hughes surprised fans by starting the on-loan Brentford player in the center against Middlesbrough yesterday night.
The City manager, who preferred Oyegoke over Richie Smallwood to replace the big Scot, was happy with what he witnessed.
Hughes remarked, “It gave me the chance just to see Daniel in there.”
“I believe he has good qualities; he is physically and athletically fit and can move over the field.
“On the ball he’s okay as well. It’s a good option for me.
“I’m not saying he’s going to play there for me from this point onwards, but that versatility will help him in his career anyway.
“He’s obviously enjoyed it in there. I think he was man of the match, so he did well.
“I thought he would. It’s a good option for me.
“At times we need that physicality, certainly at League Two level, and he brings that.”
Hughes has thrown Oyegoke into midfield from the bench on a couple of occasions. But it was the first time that the defender has played a full game in that position.
“It’s the sign of a good player that they can play in any number of positions,” added Hughes.
“Clearly, he was brought as a right back or a wing back and can play both positions really well. He can play right-side centre back as well.
“I just think that’s an option for us. It was something worth looking at.
“I looked at his ability on the ball, which is good, and he’s quick enough and sharp enough to be able to cope in there.
“That ability on the ball lends itself well to that defensive midfield position as well. It’s something that I’m sure we’ll look at again.
“In training, we see him in there and have been impressed with his ability to adapt and be efficient in his work in a different area of the field. That’s credit to him that he has that capacity.”
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