The $8million buy from Bayern Munich marked his 26th birthday by scoring for the second successive match.

Paraguay striker Santa Cruz got the winner in the 1-0 victory against MyPa in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup.

He was on target in the fifth minute of the first leg game in Finland with a clinical finish after being set up by Jason Roberts.

Santa Cruz took confidence from scoring in the victory against Middlesbrough and Hughes is delighted at the way he has settled in.

Hughes said: "Roque's scoring record in Germany was an issue for some people but not me.

"He is a match winner and will score a lot of goals for us, of that I am sure.

"It was an excellent finish so early in the game. He showed his quality and getting a full game will help him.

"We are encouraged by Roque, so early in his career here and he can only get better.

"To be honest I am surprised by how quickly he seems to have adapted. You have to complement him on the way he trains and plays."

Blackburn winger David Bentley praised Santa Cruz. "He's a great player and a good lad, " he told five.

"He has come to a place where he can develop and I'm sure he'll score a lot of goals."

Santa Cruz's goal should have acted as a catalyst for Blackburn.

But instead it was all they had to showed for their efforts against a spirited but limited MyPa side.

Hughes, however, is convinced they have all but secured their passage into the first round proper with the second leg to come in a fortnight at Ewood Park.

He said: "We have won the game and not conceded so we are in good shape for the second leg.

"We had 12 shots on goal, which tells its own story, and perhaps we should have won by a bigger margin.

"But we are in good shape for the second leg and I am reasonably pleased.

"MyPa showed a lot of energy and commitment and have to be congratulated on their attitude."