' MALKY MACKAY & CRAIG BELLAMY '

Malky Mackay backs Craig Bellamy to carry on with Wales.

Jan 29 2013


Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay said star man Craig Bellamy’s commitment to international football with Wales had his full backing.

There were suggestions the 33-year-old might call time on his international career as he focuses on trying to help his hometown club into the Premier League.

But Mackay gave his blessing to Bellamy’s wishes with the frontman expected to be named in Dragons boss Chris Coleman’s squad for next week’s international friendly against Austria in Swansea.

“I didn’t really talk to him either way. Craig is at an age now where he can decide how his body is,” said Mackay.

“He’s a very passionate Welshman and that has always been the case. He’s turned up for games that some have maybe ducked in the past.

“I think with his performance levels right now he’s going to act as a real boost to the Welsh squad. You always want your best players available.

“I spoke to Chris Coleman and he will be delighted that Craig has put himself up for selection.”

Bellamy has suffered a catalogue of injuries throughout his career and has seen pitch time limited at times. But he has made 18 appearances for the Bluebirds this campaign and grabbed four goals.

Mackay insists Bellamy has shown he can deal with the pressures of playing for club and country now.

“I think Craig has shown this season his body can play at a high intensity now quite regularly. Perhaps more so than people give him credit for,” added Mackay.

“I want to make sure my players are best prepared for our games. But I’ve always been a big advocate of players playing international football.

“It was something I was very proud to do myself.

“I’m delighted when my players are called up for their national teams. The more the merrier, it shows the strength we have at this football club.”








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Sorry i have to disagree with Malky I think that Bellamy at his age with the problems that he has had should just concentrate on being fit for Cardiff City(the club that pay his wages)If i was a very important match or the beginning of a campaign or something like that then maybe it would be different

Sorry i have to disagree with Malky I think that Bellamy at his age with the problems that he has had should just concentrate on being fit for Cardiff City(the club that pay his wages)If i was a very important match or the beginning of a campaign or something like that then maybe it would be different

I agree with this.. He's had enough time out with injury concerns etc.. Now he's gonna risk his club football at one of the most important periods of football. Doesn't make sense to me

I thought this board was filled with football loving welshman!!

Our country needs Bellamy. We hav shown total lack of commitment in big games and thatd where we need bellers to set an example to those and show its not acceptable. And why should we deny him the chance to pull on that Welsh jersey and represent his country. I say good on you bellers and cant wait to see u back! Because without him, we got no chance!

I only want bellamy playing in competitive games for Wales. no friendlies!

As Malky says, Craig is a proud Welshman, who wants to play for his country. Besides, he could get injured in training. Doubt if he will take any risks, though. There was a thread here yesterday backing Ryan Giggs to be Wales manager, and plenty of us were quick enough to critiscise Giggsy's Wales record!

The guy can't win, he either quits on his country. Or does the dirty on cardiff who are 'paying his wages'

Personally think country comes first. He's representing 3million + people and trying to do the best for all of wales. Hate players who retire from international football, unless its for personal-familie reasons etc.

Quit wales bellamy because next season cardiff city will be bigger than that shower of shite