WHILE City were grabbing three points against Carlisle United at Brunton Park, midfielder Stephen Hughes was busy in Japan winning his first senior cap for Scotland.

After coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat in Yokohama, Hughes said it was an honour to represent his country.

Hughes said: "It was a bit of a whirlwind week. I was playing against Gillingham in the Johnstone's (Paint Trophy) one minute and then the next minute I was on a plane to Japan, it was a good week for me. It was a long way to go but it was worth it with getting my first cap. I think the journey to Carlisle was up there with Tokyo for the length it took!"

Having been unavailable after playing in City's 1-0 victory over Gillingham at Priestfield Stadium in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, Hughes isn't worried about slipping down the midfield pecking order.

"It's not a worry because the manager knows, he captained the national team, there's not many higher honours than playing for your national team. I think everybody in the squad, if they had the chance to go and play for their national team then they would do it. It has worked out well because I have gone away and played, the team have won and now it is just up to me to try and get back into the team."

The win over Carlisle stretches City's unbeaten record to six in all competitions.

"I felt that was a big game for us, if we could win that it would get us into the play-off position in sixth place and it keeps the momentum going because we're on a good run at the moment, the confidence is high.

"My phone didn't work over there so I said to one of the boys to keep me updated and I found out straight away and I was delighted. First for myself getting a cap and even more delighted that we'd won."

The Monday night Sky game at Elland Road against table-toppers Leeds United is one that fans and players alike were all looking out for.

"When the fixtures came out it was a game that I looked at. It's going to be a hard game but one of the games that everybody wants to play in as well. It will be a good atmosphere and the TV cameras are there, it's a great game and everbody is looking forward to it.

"Everybody is playing at the top of their game trying to get in the team, whatever 11 goes out there, we need to go up there and try and win the game."

Hughes has experienced Elland Road once before with a positive outcome and is looking to repeat the trick.

"I played with Leicester there three seasons ago, fantastic place to play, great atmosphere, Leeds (fans) get right behind their team and I'm sure we'll take a good few fans up there anyway, who will get behind us. I think we won 2-1 so we'll take that again!"