The 22-year-old Bulgaria international striker has been sidelined since August last year after suffering a knee ligament injury against Manchester United.

Bojinov is now back in action, building up his match fitness, although Hughes will not be rushing the forward.

He told the club's official website: "We're absolutely delighted that he's come back into the team and scored a goal. It was great for him that he was up at the end with our fans as well [for his goal]. You can see he relates to them and they relate to him.

real plus

"He plays with a smile on his face and we were all delighted when we saw the ball rest in the back of the net. He's going to be a real plus for us this season and we've got big hopes that he's going to come back and be bigger, faster and stronger.

"His work in training has been really explosive and dynamic and I think once he gets match fitness that will help us."

Ched Evans scored City's other goal against Stockport on Saturday from the penalty spot late on.

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