Margate boss Terry Brown says the return of former skipper Charlie Allen is a good move for club and player alike.

The 23-year-old midfielder, who left Hartsdown Park in the summer. played for an hour in the 2-1 home defeat by Tonbridge Angels in the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday night, after agreeing an initial six-week deal

He will be in the squad for Saturday's home FA Cup Third Qualifying Round tie against Vanarama National South rivals Truro City who make their second visit of the season to Thanet, following the 1-1 opening day draw between the sides in August.

Brown said: " I speak to Charlie every week.

"He had a couple of operations in the summer, and is just getting back to full fitness .

"I think he was looking to play at a higher level, but I knew nothing had really come off for him.

"The hour against Tonbridge was valuable to him, he is still not match fit, but will be involved against against Truro

" The six-week deal suits both parties, and we will sit down at the end of it and talk again."

Brown admitted he was disappointed fringe players given their chance against Tonbridge didn't provide him with a selection poser or two ahead of the weekend.

He said: "None of them really did that, and the team almost picks itself."

A good FA Cup run is high on Brown's wish-list, but added: "Truro are a big, strong, decent side who are on a seven-match unbeaten run. We have got to make sure they don't make it eight.

Long-term casualty Lewis Taylor is still struggling with an achilles injury.

Brown said: "He has had a scan, and it doesn't look very good. He has got to have a month's rest."

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