The Brazilian playmaker was criticised for a lacklustre display in City's 1-0 defeat at Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League last weekend.

City have won just once on the road all season in the league, but Hughes is keen to stress that £32million man Robinho is not the only player who should have fingers pointed at him.

Hughes said: "I think that applies to a number of players. Our performances away from home, certainly in the Premier League, haven't been as good as our home form.

"But there is always an opportunity to put things right, to impress, in every game we play.

"That applies to every player in my team - it is not just Robinho that needs to have a positive performance. Every player in my team needs to have a positive performance."

City's away record, however, has held up well in Europe - and it will be put to the test when they face Aalborg in Denmark tomorrow.

City hold a 2-0 aggregate lead after goals from Felipe Caicedo and Shaun Wright-Phillips in the first leg of the last-16 tie last week.

Their advantage has seen them installed as favourites to win a competition which could yield their first major silverware since 1976.

Hughes said: "We think it is important for the standing of the team and profile of the club that we do well in Europe.

"We have paid the competition great respect. Maybe other (English) teams didn't do that - and as a consequence, they haven't progressed as far as we have.

"We are pleased we are the sole representatives from England and we would love to progress to the latter stages. We have placed quite a lot of significance on it."

Aalborg dropped into the UEFA Cup from the Champions League but have had a modest season domestically and drew with second-bottom Sonderjyske last weekend.

They overcame Deportivo La Coruna 6-1 over two legs in the previous round, but Hughes hopes they may leave themselves exposed as they chase tomorrow's game.

He said: "They have to be positive, because they have to win the game. But I think their natural game is to be a bit cautious and get people behind the ball, then look to break quickly.

"They may have to change from their natural game, and that is to our advantage.

"We have to ensure that if we do get opportunities we take them. If we get an away goal that would make it very difficult for Aalborg."

The City side will not feature Craig Bellamy, despite reports the striker could make a surprise return.

Bellamy has made a quicker than expected recovery from a knee problem but did not travel with the squad, and a return against Sunderland on Sunday is the next possibility.

"We hope if he doesn't have a reaction to the work he is doing he may be an option at the weekend," said Hughes.

"He was close to travelling but he just felt a little discomfort yesterday, so there was no point bringing him over."

Vincent Kompany did travel and could come in to bolster the City midfield if he passes a late fitness test on his troublesome toe injury.