The 24-year-old was born in Rotherham and progressed through the youth system at Cambridge United to make his first-team debut for the U`s in October 2010.
He had a short spell on loan with Corby Town in 2012 when he scored 3 goals in three games.
Hughes remained with United until January 2016, when his contract was cancelled after playing 177 games for the Abbey Stadium outfit at first-team level.
Hughes joined the Bluebirds in the summer of 2016 following his release by Scottish Premier League side Inverness Caledonian Thistle, for whom he had made eleven appearances.
He made his debut in the 1-0 win over Aldershot Town on the opening day of the 2016/17 season.