Hughes, who previously worked with the striker during his time as manager of Wales and then Blackburn, insists the wider public are now seeing what he spotted a long time ago in the player.
"The perception of Craig for too long has been too negative. He'll admit himself that at times he has let himself down.
"What has never been in question was his ability," said Hughes.
"I've worked with him before at international level and at Blackburn and he was outstanding for me.
"But, because of the lack of focus on his efforts there his performances were not flagged up as they should have been."
The 30-year-old has been involved in numerous controversies since his debut for Norwich in 1997 and gained a reputation as a troublemaker, enhanced by the fact City is his eighth professional club.
His ability to work in different positions is great for me because I can move him around and he still has an impact
Mark Hughes on Bellamy
But Hughes says Bellamy's status as a senior player has helped him find the form that has delighted the manager.
Hughes said: "The knowledge he has now as a more senior player helps him to understand his body on a daily basis.
"He knows when he should not train and when he needs to back off and as a result we have been able to keep him on the field more in both training and, more importantly, in games.
"He found that more difficult when younger because he saw himself as an out-and-out striker, but his ability to work in different positions is great for me because I can move him around and he still has an impact.
"You can play him off a big man, just off the front, on either side and he will still have an impact on the game."
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