Striker Craig Bellamy insists he is ready to start Wales' World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein.
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Striker Craig Bellamy insists he is ready to start Wales' World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein.
The West Ham marksman's season has so far been disrupted by injury after he tore a hamstring in pre-season.
However, he replaced David Di Michele after 54 minutes of West Ham's 3-1 defeat to Bolton on Sunday and the ex-Liverpool and Blackburn ace believes he is nearing full fitness.
When asked if he will be 100 per cent for Wales' clash against Liechtenstein on Saturday, he told
Sky Sports News: "Nearly. I'm not too far away, but I'm a lot fitter than I was a few weeks ago.
"I could have been ready against Bolton, but basically I couldn't get in. I've had to bide my time and I'll wait for my opportunity.
Ready
"We'll wait and see Saturday. We don't know what the team's going to be, but I'm ready to start if I get the chance.
"I came on against Blackburn and still felt it a little bit which prevented me from meeting up with Wales last time.
"I was right because I couldn't come on against West Brom because I felt it again.
"I left it another couple of weeks and it's gone quite well so hopefully I'll be in the frame for Saturday.
"The only problem with hamstrings is that speed is an important part of my game so I've got be a bit more careful than other players because that explosiveness off the mark is where you feel it."
Crucial
With Wales taking on European giants Germany next week, Bellamy believes it is crucial they see off Liechtenstein this weekend.
"It's essential we win. This time last year the boys went over (to Germany) and got a good result so I'm sure we can cause them problems," he continued.
Bellamy has made just three appearances for The Hammers to date this term and after suffering an injury-plagued first season with the East Londoners, he is now looking to show the club's fans what they have been missing out on.
"I've just signed a deal at West Ham last year and I want to give as much as I can.
"I missed virtually the whole of my first year at West Ham which was really disappointing, but I'm sure this year I can make up for lost time."
