Bellamy latest

Last updated : 17 November 2002 By Martyn Elliott

"I've had a request from Wales that, because he's allowed to play one game a week, let that one game on Wednesday be for them and he can play for us next Wednesday.

"He couldn't have played today, so there was never any thought of Bellamy playing today.

"He can't train all week, so he will train Monday, he will rest Tuesday, he will train Wednesday, he will not do anything Thursday, he will train Friday and we think he will be up for selection for Manchester United.

"I have to speak to the chairman, it's up to the chairman, but my decision would be that that doesn't happen, what Wales have asked for.

"I understand it completely. I was a national manager and if you don't get the players, you can't run the national side, but Bellamy is not ready yet for that sort of situation.

"At the moment, we just have to be careful with him. He's priceless to us and, with all the big games coming up, we have to look after him.

"I understand Mark Hughes' request in theory. I shall discuss it with my chairman and our medical people and give a decision by Monday morning."

Stick to your guns Bobby, Wales can see off Azerbaijan with a strike force of Ryan Giggs, Simon Davies, John Hartson and Robert Earnshaw.

Newcastle pay Bellamy’s vast salary (one newspaper report suggested that his new contract will be worth £10million over four years) and have paid for him to see the world’s best knee surgeon, so we should have first call on his services.

I genuinely hope that Wales qualify for Euro 2004, but to do that they will need Bellamy fully fit for the games with Italy and Yugoslavia.

To force him to travel to Azerbaijan is just short-term thinking from the Welsh FA.

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