BOBBY Pointon has had the chance to catch his breath after bursting onto the City scene.

The exciting youngster was named in the squad at Newport and remained unused on the nine-man bench against Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

That followed back-to-back starts for the teenager in the previous two home games.

Mark Hughes feels that taking him briefly out of the firing line has given Pointon the opportunity to reflect on his elevation to the senior ranks.

“Bobby has done great and we’re really happy with him,” said the City boss. “He’s been around the squad and obviously has been on the bench as well.

“In the last couple of games, I’ve needed to have a look at certain things. Adam (Wilson) hasn’t had too many opportunities so I wanted to see him on that right hand side.

“That shaped my thinking the other night. Ray (Rayhaan Tulloch) has come into the team on the opposite side. There are certain things I wanted to look at.

“I know what Bobby can do. We’re very happy with how he’s progressing, he’s a player we’ve got a lot of time for and a lot of hope for.

“Just going out the team won’t do him any harm, being exposed to it and then having the opportunity to step back and then think, 'maybe in that situation I can do a little bit better'.

“It’s about him developing his knowledge within the game itself. It’s all part of his education.”