Source: Daily_Mail
Wales skipper Craig Bellamy to miss vital Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland
Out: Wales striker Craig Bellamy[LNB]Captain Craig Bellamy is out of Wales' Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland next month.[LNB]Bellamy, currently on-loan at Cardiff from Barclays Premier Leagueside Manchester City, has been sidelined for three weeks with a kneeproblem that has hampered him throughout his career.[LNB]Bryan Flynn, caretaker boss of the national side, confirmed that Bellamy would miss the forthcoming qualifiers.[LNB]'Craig will be unavailable for the two matches next week,' Flynn told BBC Sport Wales.[LNB]'I had a really long, excellent conversation with Cardiff managerDave Jones just over 10 days ago...and we made the decision that Craigwill not be available due to his fitness.[LNB]'He has an ongoing knee problem and hasn't played for the last five games.[LNB]'Obviously we've been aware of that and unfortunately for Craig andfor us he won't be able to put on a red shirt next week. It's a bigdisappointment for me as caretaker manager. I wanted Craig in the teambut these things happen.'[LNB]Wales lost their opening Group G game against Montenegro and faceBulgaria at the Cardiff City Stadium on October 8, followed bySwitzerland in Basle four days later.[LNB]The defeat to Montenegro saw John Toshack depart as manager andWales Under-21 coach Flynn appointed on a caretaker basis in his place.[LNB]Meanwhile, former Wales striker John Hartson today confirmed he had applied for the manager's job. [LNB] Give me the job: Former Wales striker John Hartson[LNB]'I applied for the Wales job,' Hartson said. [LNB]'I'm 35 now and have got all my (coaching) badges. They gave Mark Hughes his first job at 35 with no experience behind him. [LNB]'I know the players, I know the system I would play, although that could change from game to game. [LNB]'I feel as if my time has come. I've been retired for three years.Brian Flynn is a great guy, I worked with him for the under-21s. [LNB]'He is a brilliant coach and if I was to miss out to anyone, Brian is a brilliant guy. I wish him well for the next two games. [LNB]'If I get it, I will be the happiest man in Wales and if I don't, I move on.'[LNB] Bellamy 'coin attack' in Manchester derby thrown out of court'I had to go': Toshack resigns as Wales manager after six yearsMontenegro 1 Wales 0: Toshack and Collins floored in Montenegro[LNB]
