Bellamy fit to travel

Bellamy: Available

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Craig Bellamy has been passed fit to travel with Wales for their Euro 2008 qualifiers in Cyprus and San Marino.

The Football Association of Wales has announced that Bellamy will take his place in the squad despite undergoing groin surgery last Thursday.

John Toshack had stated that he did not expect the West Ham striker to link up with the rest of the squad until Monday.

But Bellamy will now be available for Saturday's clash against Cyprus if he comes through training later in the week.

Boost

"Obviously our medical team will keep a very close eye on him, nobody wants him breaking down," said a spokesman for the Welsh FA.

"But West Ham are happy now for him to travel and for him to play in both matches.

"It is a huge boost for everyone, Craig is a very important part of our squad and the last time he played for us he scored twice in a fine 5-2 win in Slovakia.

"We will hope that he can do something like that again. He has not played for West Ham in five weeks and they clearly are happy for him to have some match practice under his belt."

Even if Toshack decides not to risk Bellamy against Cyprus, he is likely to feature in San Marino on Wednesday.

Bellamy had the same operation as Michael Owen at the clinic of specialist Dr Ulrike Muschaweck.

Owen returned for Newcastle at the weekend just eight days after his surgery.

Jones blow

Wrexham midfielder Mark Jones has been forced to pull out of the squad through injury.

He was due to fly out with for the games but has been forced to withdraw after suffering a knee problem in training.

If Jones' problem clears up in time then he could face Macclesfield in League Two on Saturday but that is thought to be unlikely.