The big-money signing of the Welsh international striker from West Ham United may have raised a few eyebrows but the City manager is delighted with his capture.
Bellamy marked his debut with the winner in the Sky Blues' 2-1 win against Newcastle United at Eastlands and Hughes is confident there is plenty more to come.
He said: "There are not many players like Craig Bellamy on the open market. I think we have got a great deal.
"People will have their opinions on the fee but maybe their views are clouded by past misdemeanours.
"Craig realises the opportunity he has got here. He could have stayed with West Ham and become one of their top players and been up there with the Di Canio's.
"He could have gone for that option but he is a driven, ambitious guy. He sees what we are trying to do here and wants to be part of it. He wants to be remembered for his football and to make his mark on the game."
Hughes was delighted with Bellamy's baptism and with the debut for his other new signing midfielder Nigel De Jong.
He added: "I was really pleased with both of them. I thought they made impressive debuts following on from that of Wayne Bridge last week.
"I was really pleased with the interplay between Craig and Robinho and that will develop further.
"Once he has bedded in here and the other players understand the pace and qualities Craig has, they will know when to play him in.
"And to get 70 minutes from Nigel was a real bonus because he has only played 20 minutes in the last four months. He made a real impact in the first half."
City took the lead on 16 minutes when Robinho played a cute ball right for Shaun Wright-Phillips to drill in.
Bellamy doubled the lead 14 minutes from time with a neat piece of control and a tight spin before wrongfooting goalkeeper Steve Harper with a well-placed 18-yard shot just inside the right post.
Five minutes later David Edgar robbed Bridge on the edge of the area and squared to give Andy Carroll a simple tap-in from close range but City hung on through five minutes of added time.
The victory lifted them into the top half of the table and Hughes added: "We now have to stay there and see how far we can go.
"We are making steady progress and we have a game in hand on the teams around us. If we take advantage of that, we will be in a decent position.
"The second half of the season was always going to be important for us. We have made a few changes and brought in some new players to address the frailties in the team and the squad and they have improved us and added to the quality we already have."
Hughes has been linked with a move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given who missed the match with a knee injury and the manager is also keen on Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz.
Hughes said: "Blackburn have made it clear they are not prepared to release a striker without getting another one in and we are hoping that can be resolved.
"We are a good side at the moment but on occasions we lack a bit of a physical presence up front.
"I have said for quite some time we need an experienced keeper to complement the exceptionally talented young keepers at this club. I intend to bring one in if I can.
"As far as other signings are concerned, we will see what is out there. Sometimes late in the day something will present itself and it can work for you. Who knows?"
source :www.premierleague.com
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