Striker Craig Hughes is set for his first international since leaving jail

Craig Hughes, 26, came on as a substitute in Carmarthen's 2-0 defeat to FC Copenhagen, despite being banned from Ninian Park's terraces.

Hughes was jailed for violent disorder at Cardiff Crown Court last April.

A spokesman for Carmarthen Town said before the game that Hughes deserved a second chance.

Club Vice Chairman Alun Williams said: "He has served his time. He's got to be entitled to earn a living."

Hughes began Thursday evening's game among the substitutes, but came off the bench after half time in the 2-0 defeat to FC Copenhagen.

The result completed a 4-0 aggregate defeat following Town's 2-0 defeat in the Danish capital two weeks ago.

Hughes, from Ynyshir, Rhondda, was arrested in September 2003 after trouble before Cardiff City played West Ham United, and has also been banned from attending football matches for eight years.

Carmarthen Town signed the striker while he was serving his sentence at Prescoed open prison near Usk.

Obviously he has been trouble - hopefully that is in the past. Alun Williams, Carmarthen Town

The club had hoped Hughes would be given a 12-hour release permit in July to be allowed to play in the team's Uefa Cup tie against Irish team Longford Town, but the prison authorities refused to grant a licence.

Mr Williams said since Hughes had been released from jail, the striker had been "settling in" with the squad, many of whom he had played with before.

Hughes made his Carmarthen debut in last Saturday's League Cup defeat to Port Talbot.

Mr Williams said: "I can't see a problem. He has never caused any trouble on the football pitch.

"Obviously he has been trouble. Hopefully that is in the past. If anything happens like that, he won't be here very long.

"Our manager has worked with him before and does not remember him having a yellow card."

Mr Williams added before the match that the whole of the Carmarthen squad were "in awe" of the visitors from Copenhagen, four of whom played in Denmark's 4-1 home win over England.