Hughes brought the west Cumbrian teenager off the bench in the second half of the 4-1 second round defeat at Blackpool.
It was Atkinson’s first Blues appearance of the season, following his recent recall from a loan spell at Workington Reds.
And after the Cleator Moor prospect’s third first-team outing in total for the Blues - his previous two coming in the EFL Trophy last season - Hughes said Atkinson is progressing impressively.
“He’s got a great future,” said Hughes. “Everybody's really pleased with how he's progressing.
“He's well thought of in the group as well. He's a young man, but he's got a calm head on his shoulders.
“This will be a big step for him. He'll enjoy this [appearance], albeit it wasn't a winning game. But he'll have those in the future, I'm sure.”
Atkinson was recently recalled from his loan spell at Workington Reds (Image: Ben Challis)
Hughes praised a “great recovery” which saw Atkinson prevent Blackpool adding another goal late in the game, after the hosts appeared to have a free shot at goal when keeper Harry Lewis came off his line.
Another outing for Atkinson could come when Carlisle head to Harborough Town in the FA Trophy next Saturday.
Hughes said the young academy product, who signed his first professional terms in August, has the opportunity to impress now he is back with the United squad from a positive spell with Workington.
On Atkinson’s chances of playing in the Harborough game, Hughes said: “Yes, we'll look at that.
“You've got to be patient as a young player, but it's when you get those moments, circumstances dictate that all of a sudden the door opens for you.
“You've got to stride through it and make sure you take your chance.
“Hayden did nothing wrong [at Blackpool], so he can be pleased with that.”
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