MARTIN Allen today revealed he held heart-to-heart talks with Lee Hughes and his wife before deciding to pitch the striker into Notts County's game at Walsall this week.

Police had said on Monday that the 35-year-old Magpies striker had been charged with sexual assault over an alleged incident prior to the FA Cup tie at Sutton United in December.

The Notts manager said he had been uncertain whether the former West Brom man would be mentally prepared to cope with the stick he would inevitably get from the Saddlers fans on his return to his native West Midlands.

But after speaking to Hughes and his wife at length, Allen handed the player a starting berth – and his response was to net the only goal of the game in Tuesday's 1-0 win.

"Lee's had a tough time recently, so for him to get a goal like that was fantastic," said Allen. "It was a great finish to put us in front.

"People were questioning whether I would play him, but I have stuck by him.

"I went to see him and his wife on Monday night in Nottingham and we sat down and had a chat with them both for three hours.

"I was then happy in my mind he was ready to play.

"I'm not sure he has risen above it – it has affected him – so when he scored and he looked over to me to give me a little wave and a smile, I was thrilled for him."

Hughes was arrested on December 3 following an alleged incident involving a woman at a hotel in Croydon, south London. The squad had been staying in the hotel before their FA Cup second round clash at Sutton United on December 4.

On Monday Metropolitan Police confirmed he been charged with the sexual assault of a female over 16 years old.

The club also confirmed the striker had been charged but made no further comment.

Hughes has been bailed to appear at Croydon Magistrates' Court on February 8 in relation to the charge.