General News Round-Up

By MATTHEW JONES
October 16 2002

A round-up of todays news (Wednesday 16th October 2002). Bellamy & Hughes - Craig Bellamy hailes Mark Hughes. Dyer is England's solution on the left-flank - Sven

Bellamy & Hughes

Welsh international Craig Bellamy has hailed Mark Hughes for reviving Wales' fortunes ahead of tonights exciting Euro 2004 qualifier against Italy.

Bellamy has emerged as a key figure in coach Hughes' mission to rescue Welsh football after a dismal spell in the late 1990s.

However, he insists that the renaissance is all down to the man, Hughes, who has just been rewarded with a new contract by the Welsh FA which meaning that he will stay in charge or his country until 2006.

Bellamy said: "Mark has done a wonderful job. When he became manager, Welsh football was at a very low point and we didn't ever look like qualifying for a major tournament.

"All that has changed now and the credit must go to the manager for that. He has made us a very difficult team to beat and people can no longer say we are easy touches. He has played at the highest level and he knows the game inside out. "He may not have much managerial experience but that knowledge and the fact that he understands footballers is a big help."

Dyer's left-sided place

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has insisted that Newcastle United's young star Kieron Dyer can provide the answer to his left-sided midfield problem - when fit.

Kieron Dyer's recent injury problems have seen him make just three appearances for his country during Eriksson's 20-month reign as England boss. The Magpies star is missing out of tonights clash with Macedonia with a back problem. Paul Scholes is the latest player to fail to impress down England's left flank, but Eriksson is convinced a healthy Dyer is the solution to the problem.

Eriksson said: "I can't find a winger like Ryan Giggs who is English, but it is a pity that every time Dyer is called up to the national team he seems to get injured.

"He has really bad luck and I'm really sorry for him. This time, he trained really well before we went to Slovakia - the best I have seen him - then the day after the game, he got his back injury.

"It's a pity because he could do that left-sided job. I am sure he could do it. He could have been a very good alternative for me on Wednesday."