Bellamy gets Wales call

16 March 2009 12:47
Craig Bellamy has been included in John Toshack's Wales squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers despite his knee injury. Toshack's side are up against Finland on 28th March before welcoming Germany to Cardiff three days later in back-to-back home Group Four meetings. The Manchester City striker, who has not played since suffering a knee problem against former club West Ham on 1st March, has been included in a 27-man party. Bellamy is not expected to play a first-team game for Mark Hughes' side before the international action, but is believed to have made his desire to be involved in the two matches known. Toshack has also included West Ham defender James Collins, who is only just back in light training following a hamstring injury, but club-mate Jack Collison is out with a dislocated knee which will see him sidelined for six to seven weeks. Hull City's Sam Ricketts has been included despite being suspended for the Finland match following two bookings, while Blackpool's David Vaughan is out with a hamstring strain. Veteran Carl Robinson, now with Toronto, has been included, having missed the recent friendly against Poland in Portugal. Toshack also has concerns over Peterborough defender Craig Morgan, who has a foot injury. If Morgan and Collins both fail to recover in time, Wales should have adequate cover. Middlesbrough's Rhys Williams - on loan at Burnley - has been elevated from the Wales Under 21 squad who face a Uefa Championship double-header against Luxembourg on 27th and 31st March. There was also a recall for Bristol City midfielder Gavin Williams, who was capped twice during his spell with West Ham. Wales squad:Hennessey (Wolves), Myhill (Hull), Fon Williams (Stockport), Bale (Tottenham), Collins (West Ham), Eardley (Oldham), Gunter (Tottenham, on loan at Nottingham Forest), Nyatanga (Derby), Ricketts (Hull), A Williams (Swansea), S Davies (Fulham), D Edwards (Wolves), Fletcher (Crystal Palace, on loan at Plymouth), Tudor Jones (Swansea, on loan at Swindon), Koumas (Wigan), Ledley (Cardiff), Ramsey (Arsenal), Bellamy (Manchester City), Cotterill (Sheffield United), Earnshaw (Nottingham Forest), Evans (Manchester City), Vokes (Wolves), R Williams (Middlesbrough, on loan at Burnley), G Williams (Bristol City), Morgan (Peterborough).

Source: SKY_Sports