Hughes made Lescott the world's third most expensive centre-half when he spent £24m to sign him from Everton.

The 27-year-old has forged an excellent partnership with fellow new signing Kolo Toure at the back with City's backline looking very impressive.

City have conceded just 11 goals so far this campaign and only league leaders Chelsea have conceded fewer goals.

no doubt

And Hughes believes much of that is down to Lescott and says he can become "an outstanding player" for many years to come.

"He's a young player. I've no doubt Joleon will be an outstanding player for many, many years," Hughes said. "He has got a real determination to develop. His attitude to work on a daily basis is exemplary."

Hughes added: "I think Joleon has played well. And the more games he and Kolo play the better they will gel as a pair.

"If you look at the Premier League, only Chelsea have conceded fewer than us and in terms of clean sheets they are again the only team who have kept more than us. So I'd suggest there is not that much that we need to put right."

Lescott came up through the ranks at Wolverhampton Wanderers and moved to Everton in the summer of 2006 where he impressed over three seasons.