Speed and Bellamy head stateside

Last updated : 02 May 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Wales boss Mark Hughes has named a 29-man squad for the game as he is expecting a number of withdrawals due to injury and club commitments.

Speed is almost certain to miss out on the trip while he recovers from his groin injury and Bellamy’s participation could provide another club versus country row.

The striker has shown signs of moving about as freely as a 90-year-old at times in recent weeks and clearly needs rest to help him shake off his persistent knee problem.

But with Celtic’s John Hartson likely to miss the trip because of the UEFA Cup final and Cardiff’s Robert Earnshaw and Wolves’ Nathan Blake possible participants in the play-off finals Hughes is unlikely to let Bellamy stay at home.