BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes believes Craig Bellamy has the mental strength to keep his mind firmly focused on the job of firing Rovers into Europe as Sunderland head to Ewood tonight for a vital Premiership encounter.

Bellamy is still wanted by police for questioning in connection with an alleged assault on a teenage girl in a Cardiff nightclub, but Hughes insists that won't distract his star striker from playing a leading role against the Black Cats.

When asked about the allegations yesterday, Hughes responded: "Apparently, the police want to speak to Craig to clarify his version of events and we are more than willing to allow Craig to do that whenever it is necessary.

"I haven't been given any indication of when the police want to speak to him, even if they actually do.

"But I don't think it will impact on us. I'm sure they will work around Craig's commitments."

Hughes confirmed that he has already spoken to Bellamy about the allegations and he is satisfied the player is in the right frame of mind to lead Rovers' attack this evening in a game they desperately need to win to keep their European dreams alive.

"I think it's one of those things," said Hughes.

"Sometimes the most recognisable face will always get mentioned if certain situations develop and Craig has had this happen to him before, so we'll wait and see.

"But once Craig has given his side of the story, I think we'll find that's the end of it."