Bellamy explains Wales absence

Striker to work on fitness with Hammers

Last updated: 2nd September 2008

Craig Bellamy Wales

Bellamy: Working on fitness

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West Ham United striker Craig Bellamy insists his long-term fitness will be best served by withdrawing from the Wales squad.

Bellamy picked up a hamstring strain in pre-season and has been pulled out of Wales' squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Azerbaijan and Russia.

He made a goalscoring appearance as a substitute in West Ham's 4-1 win over Blackburn Rovers last Saturday, and feels he needs to work on his fitness at his club, rather than risk a setback by playing for Wales.

"Myself, West Ham and Wales all discussed what was the right thing to do and we all agreed that it would be best for me to stay back here at West Ham and continue my recovery from the hamstring injury," Bellamy told the club's official website.

No problem

"There was no problem on anyone's part and we all shared the same view that it was best I stayed here at West Ham.

"In the build-up to the game on Saturday, the hamstring was a bit tight and that was why I only played 20 minutes of the game. It still felt a little tight again after the match and so this week, I will be carrying on with more rehab work to make sure I am completely recovered.

"After working so hard to come back this summer, I didn't want to risk breaking down again because I had come back too soon.

"No one can question my commitment to Wales - as I said, I don't want to be missing what are two crucial games for my country, and I am confident I will be available for selection for the next set of matches in October.

"Having missed so much of the season last year for West Ham and Wales, it is best that I stay here at the training ground and keep on with the rehab work.

"At this stage of my career, I want to be able to play to the best of my abilities and give my all and for that, I need to be fully fit."