FORMER Cwmbran Town hotshot Craig Hughes is ready to shrug off his bad-boy image and become a hit with Wales' semi-professional squad.

The 24-year-old striker is currently serving time in Bridgend's Parc Prison after admitting two charges of assault, following incidents in Swansea and Walsall, last April.

Hughes' release date is in November but he's due for parole in August and he has already signed on for Welsh Premier League outfit Port Talbot Town.

However, Hughes, who fired 22 goals in six months for Cwmbran last season, has his sights set even higher.

The Porth-raised player has a burning desire to represent his country in the Unibond Four Nations tournament in Scotland next summer.

John Deakin, leading Football Association of Wales official, last night paved the way for an international call for Hughes, confirming: "Players are picked on merit.

"If a player had served a prison sentence, we would not hold it against them. Everybody deserves a second chance."

Hughes' father Hugh last night insisted prison has changed his son for the better.

"Everybody makes mistakes," he said. "Prison, though, has certainly changed him for the better, take it from me. Craig is determined to rebuild his life and playing football will help.

"He has vowed never to go out drinking in night-clubs with his mates again because that's when he gets into trouble.

"He has a dedicated girlfriend, Sally, who he's been with for more than two years, and he's got a job sorted with McGinlay rail recruitment company when he comes out."

Port Talbot's general manager Kevin Morris is project manager with McGinlay and said: "Craig has great talent and we're delighted we've got him.

"Many Welsh Premier League clubs have been chasing him because he is a natural goal scorer.

"He has been keeping himself fit in prison, working-out constantly, plus he's a regular in the prison football side.

"Craig is desperate to play at a higher level and there's no doubt he's got the talent."

And Hughes snr added: "Craig has got tremendous footballing ability and wants to be part of the Welsh semi-professional squad next season and go on to play at a higher level.

"He is now a mature young man who is determined to put his past firmly behind him."