Chris Coleman is ready to send an SOS to Craig Bellamy as Wales look to recover from their 6-1 hiding in Serbia.
Bellamy missed the Dragons' Group A defeats to Belgium and Serbia after picking up a calf injury while playing for Cardiff. But the 33-year-old has recently been the subject of rumours that he is set to retire from the game, something his club have denied.
Last weekend he told a national newspaper he was still "struggling" to come to terms with the death of former Wales boss and close friend Gary Speed. "I saw Craig last week at the team hotel and he was okay in himself," Coleman said.
The former Liverpool and Manchester City striker admitted Speed's death had also affected his marriage and he has moved out of the marital home he shared with wife Claire and their three children.
Bellamy had pondered international retirement after Speed's death, but has continued to make himself available for his country after speaking with Coleman. It was thought that Bellamy would play through the World Cup qualifiers as it represents his last shot at reaching a major finals.
But Tuesday night's thumping loss in Novi Sad combined with his current personal problems could convince the 70-cap striker to reconsider. However, Coleman knows Bellamy is a key figure in his squad and how valuable his presence would be when Wales look to rebuild against Scotland next month.
Coleman added: "He has said himself what he wants to say about his own situation. And I'll sit down with him and find out what he is thinking. Of course, a fit, healthy and motivated Craig Bellamy would be an asset to us."
But Coleman says the player needs to sure he wants to be involved in the set-up.
Coleman said: "Bear in mind this is a conversation I've already had with him (Bellamy) once. Craig is very much his own man - always has been - and there are only so many times you can travel down the same road with someone.
"But he needs to be sure in his own mind - not mine - that playing would be something he wants. And he needs to be clear, really clear, because the environment of international football is not the place to be if you are not in the right place to deal with the challenges it brings."
Source: PA
