The vast wealth of owners the Abu Dhabi United Group has changed the landscape at Eastlands, possibly for ever.

But that new money has come at a price with Hughes and those who wear the shirt under pressure to deliver from day one because of the raised profile.

There are small signs of progress, however, with a place in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup secured last night at the expense of FC Copenhagen, who were dispatched 4-3 on aggregate.

City are the British flag bearers in the competition thanks to a brace from Wales striker Craig Bellamy.

He took his tally to five goals in seven games after arriving from West Ham by scoring a brace in the 2-1 victory at Eastlands.

City's solid show in Europe came on the back of taking a point at Anfield against Liverpool.

Hughes is pleased with the attitude of his squad and wants more of the same on Sunday when they face West Ham at Upton Park.

He said: "We have a group of players who understand the demands that are going to be placed on them now and in the future.

"The expectation levels have been way ahead of any Manchester City team probably in the history of the club and we're dealing with it.

"The aim is to get a consistent run of form away from home as we have found it difficult on the road. We have another opportunity to show what we can do when we face West Ham.

"We have had a lot of criticism and rightly so but the manner of the performance at Liverpool will hopefully have given us confidence. It was a good display.

"Our problem in the past is we have been unable to see out games. We have not had the right tools.

"You need a different mentality and a different approach when you are away from home. But we are learning as a group all the time and gaining experience."

City will face a Danish side in the UEFA Cup for a third time after Aalborg surprisingly thrashed Deportivo La Coruna.

FC Midtjylland were also banished from the competition but Hughes expects a rough ride against a team that drew with Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Champions League this season.

He added: "Aalborg had two great results against a very good Spanish side. We know it is going to be another difficult tie.

"We like to think if we can perform as we have done of late we will be able to progress further. But we understand we have a big test.

"They have good experience in Europe and better experience than us. We will not take them lightly."