Skipper says Hughes can be top player
JOHN Brayford is backing Sam Hughes to bounce back from last Saturday’s sending-off against Hull City – and says the young centre-half has already had a huge influence on the Burton Albion team.
Hughes was sent packing by referee John Busby on Saturday after getting yellow cards in the eighth and 18th minutes of the game.
It left Burton with a mountain to climb and they eventually lost 2-0.
They have also gone 22 games without a clean sheet but, at least, have looked more likely to collect one since 23-year-old Hughes arrived on loan from Leicester City in October.
Brewers captain Brayford and Hughes are currently looking like the first choice centre-back pairing for the team, although Hughes will be suspended for Saturday’s home game against Northampton Town.
Brayford thinks Hughes has what it takes to go on to have an excellent career.
“I think Sam is going to go on to be a top player,” he said.
“He’s a born leader, Sam is, it’s instilled in him.
“For his age, his stature on the pitch is great.
“Some people coming from Premier League clubs, you can notice weaknesses, it’s as if they’ve been cuddled all the way along coming from these clubs.
“They’ve been through the age groups, they’re taking a step down and they don’t want to know.
“But Sam cracked his cheekbone and he’s still playing on, wearing a mask – that shows you the attitude of
the lad.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing with him. When he wins a header, I think I’m going to win the next one and we get along really well, we’ve built up a bit of a friendship as well.”
The Burton captain thinks Hughes was harshly treated by his sending off.
The first card came when he attempted to block Mallik Wilks’ run and the two collided.
For the second, he hauled Wilks back as the two tussled and the Hull forward got away from him.
“I don’t think the first one was a yellow card,” said Brayford.
“The second one was a bit of a tussle but I’ve watched it back a couple of times and Wilks is pulling Sam down just as much as the other way round.
“I really don’t think you should be getting sent off for two fouls like those.
“He apologised to the lads after the game but he didn’t have to.”