Craig Bellamy has spoken of his burning desire to lead Wales to a major international tournament.
Striker determined to lead his country to a major tournament
Craig Bellamy has spoken of his burning desire to lead Wales to a major international tournament.
Bellamy, who took over from Ryan Giggs as Wales captain in 2006, has expressed his determination to rid his country of almost 50 years of hurt.
Wales have not qualified for a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup, and the forward has revealed that he is 100 per cent focused on rectifying the drought.
The West Ham United striker has also dismissed claims that Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Cyprus is meaningless.
John Toshack's side cannot realistically qualify for next summer's finals in Austria and Switzerland, but Bellamy has reiterated the importance of putting in a convincing performance.
Priceless
"We all want to do as well as we can, results are so important to a nation like us. We have not had the success of other nations, so good results do mean a lot to us," Bellamy said.
"The desire to represent Wales and compete at the highest level in a championship finals is with us all. So every game is important for us, and especially for me. It is coming up to my 50th cap; I just want to get there.
"My whole aim is to get to finals. What it would do for us as a nation and football in our country would be priceless.
"It would mean so much to everyone, football would be improved everywhere. That is our aim and that is my main aim."
Groin injury
Bellamy will lead his country just 10 days after undergoing a groin operation, and he confirmed that he received West Ham's blessing to participate in Saturday's game.
"There has been no issue with West Ham. They want me to get on with football and get back to the form I was in before I was hurt," he added.
"I do not see a problem; I feel I can play 90 minutes. Obviously I will come off if it starts hurting. West Ham have handled it well, but every club is different.
"I'm feeling really good and not surprised by the speed of the recovery."
