Bellamy reports for Wales duty

By Matthew Jones
September 4 2002

Newcastle look to have lost their club v country battle over Craig Bellamy, with the striker set to meet up with the Wales squad on Wednesday.

Newcastle look to have lost their club v country battle over Craig Bellamy, with the striker set to meet up with the Wales squad on Wednesday.
Magpies manager Sir Bobby Robson had insisted he was unwilling to allow Bellamy to report for international duty because he has only just returned from a long injury lay-off.

"If he comes back from playing for Wales injured again, my chairman will go ballistic," said Robson.

But Wales coach Mark Hughes has stood firm, insisting Bellamy be allowed to take part in Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifier against Finland in Helsinki.

And after appearing for Newcastle reserves at Blackburn last night with no ill-effects from his long-term knee injury, Bellamy is set to answer Hughes' call.

However, Hughes last night assured Robson he will not play Bellamy against the Finns unless he is convinced of his fitness.

"I can, under the rules for national teams, bring Craig in four days before an international game," said Hughes.

"I will bring him down so our medical people can have a look at him. The national side's surgeon, John Fairclough, knows all about Craig's medical history."

Bellamy himself insists he is happy to play against Finland.