Bellamy makes Wales pledge

Skipper has no plans to quit international football

Last updated: 11th October 2008

Craig Bellamy Wales

Bellamy: Wants to play for Wales

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Wales captain Craig Bellamy insists he has no intention of retiring from international football in the near future.

Bellamy is due to make his first start for Wales in a year when he leads the team out at the Millennium Stadium in Saturday's 2010 World Cup qualifier with Liechtenstein.

The West Ham United striker has been plagued by injury problems in the past 12 months, but is confident he is now fully fit.

And Bellamy has handed Wales coach John Toshack a boost by saying he will not be quitting the international scene in order to prolong his club career.

Respect

"I have no intention of retiring from international football," said Bellamy. "I know some players in my position have done.

"After injuries they want to give themselves a chance to prolong their club careers. I respect those decisions, but it is not for me.

"I have missed too many games for Wales to walk away now. I still believe I can play in a major finals for my country, and I hope I can still be around to help the youngsters in our squad achieve that."

Toshack outlined the importance of Bellamy, and other senior players, staying fit in order to help the younger members of the Wales squad.

"Craig, along with the likes of Simon Davies and Jason Koumas, are at the right stage of their career to be successful internationals," said Toshack.

"I just hope they can all stay fit. We just need them to keep fit and be able to help our youngsters, just like such people as Ryan Giggs and Gary Speed were able to help them when they were younger."