Santa Cruz took his tally for his first season in English football to 23 after scoring twice on Saturday to condemn Derby County to the history books as the worst team in Premier League history

For his first, he reacted brilliantly to Morten Gamst Pedersen's deflected effort in first-half injury time, then nodded home a far-post header in the second period as Rovers came from behind to run out 3-1 winners.

Hughes admitted his £3.5million summer swoop to bring Santa Cruz from Bayern Munich had been a gamble with a series of injuries hindering the player during an unexceptional eight-year spell in Germany.

But Santa Cruz - who was awarded the club's player of the year trophy before kick-off - proved his worth once again and prompted Hughes to state: "Roque is the best I've seen at anticipating things coming off the keeper or the bar.

"He's always on the front foot and if a striker's got that it's a sure sign you've got a natural finisher at the club. It is not just about Roque's goals but also about his tremendous work ethic.

"Roque has had an outstanding first season and has probably surpassed even his own expectations. In truth I always knew he was an exceptionally talented player but with his past record he may have been seen by many as a risk.

"But I knew if he got a run and stayed clear of injuries and got off the mark early, that was going to help him, and Roque has been exceptional for us throughout the season."