"It is the same at City. If we get into the group stages that is the first objective achieved. You are then guaranteed a number of games that takes you into the new year and that is important.
"But first we need to put this tie to bed quite quickly."
Wright-Phillips, 26, has bedded in quickly on his return to City following his £9million move from Chelsea in August.
He is growing in confidence, according to Hughes, and getting closer to international recognition in the process.
Though England manager Fabio Capello can call on Theo Walcott, David Bentley and David Beckham on the right flank for the World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan on 11 October, Wright-Phillips must have a good shout for a recall.
He won the last of his 19 caps in February and Hughes said: "He certainly has more experience than two of those players [Walcott and Bentley]. I am sure that if Shaun is selected, he'd give his all."
