Becchio scored his seventh goal of the campaign in United's 2-1 win over Orient on Tuesday night, and both Hughes and Leeds boss Gary McAllister moved to praise the contribution of the club's summer signing from Merida UD.

The 24-year-old has formed a formidable partnership with United's leading scorer Jermaine Beckford, and his header in first-half injury-time on Tuesday was the 20th goal scored between the pair of forwards this term.

"For me, Luciano's been our main man," said Hughes, who sat out of Tuesday night's clash with a groin strain. "His performance against Orient was fantastic and I thought he turned the game our way. Everyone can see the impact he makes and I don't think defenders like playing him.

"He's got the strength and attributes of a player like Mark Hughes, and it gives us another great weapon to go alongside Jermaine up front.

"His English isn't brilliant but his football speaks for him and Tuesday was the perfect example of how good a player he is in this league."

Becchio was involved in both goals on Tuesday having scored a sensational 30-yard effort at Millwall on Saturday, and his display against Orient compensated for a night when Beckford was unable to make the most of a string of opportunities.

McAllister said: "The way he led the line was excellent. Generally, he links the team up well and the way he brings others into the game is very pleasing because that's why we bought him."