Bellamy handed Wales armband
Bellamy has already captained Wales twice
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Friday, 01, Jun 2007 09:11
Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy will take over from Ryan Giggs as the next captain of Wales, according to manager John Toshack.
The Manchester United star will hang up his boots, on the international scene at least, after Saturday's European Championship qualifier against the Czech Republic in Cardiff.
And Toshack, whose side need a win to keep alive their hopes of making the finals of the 2008 tournament, has decided to name Giggs' successor as early as possible because Bellamy has the necessary experience.
"Craig is something of a character, but I have complete faith in him as Wales' new captain on a permanent basis," Toshack said of the man who skippered his country last October against Slovakia and Cyprus when Giggs was injured.
"I immediately took Craig aside and told him he would be taking over when Ryan had left.
"Without a shadow of a doubt he is the right man for the job. He did it very well earlier in the season."
Toshack also seems unconcerned about Bellamy's much-publicised outspoken attitude.
"He is committed to Wales and I would accept he is very vocal about things," the manager added.
Wales are currently fifth in the seven-team group D table - only ahead of minnows Cyprus and San Marino. They trail joint-leaders Germany, Czech Republic and Republic of Ireland by seven points after only five games.