The 20 year old played a very good match in Blackburn’s 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round win at Luton yesterday.
Derbyshire have scored five goals in his last six appearances.
Hughes said: “In fairness to Luton the worst result for them was us losing to Watford in midweek. We weren’t prepared to play like that again and we put in a thoroughly-professional performance.
“Matt has come in and had an impact whenever he’s played, be it from the bench or starting. He’s a great talent. We sent him out to Wrexham on loan and he did well and scored plenty of goals, so we thought he could make the step-up to at least Championship level.
“Maybe the step-up he has taken has come a little sooner than we expected but he’s taken his chance.
“I’ve got a few options up front but when a young player makes an impact by scoring goals then you have to play him.”
