CHRIS COLEMAN has declared the return of Craig Bellamy is essential to Welsh football after revealing the Cardiff City star is having “deep frustrations” with injuries.
Wales boss Coleman outlined his verdict on the Bellamy situation as his team prepare to go into World Cup battle against Belgium tonight without their key man.
Bellamy, 33, moved to dismiss internet speculation about his future by emphasising he is “fully committed” to his home-town Bluebirds after signing a two-year contract last month.
He has missed City’s last two matches with a calf tear but still hopes to be back for next week’s Championship showdown with Leeds.
Injured Bellamy has been around the Welsh team’s waterfront hotel this week to offer his support ahead of the big Group A opener with the Belgians at Cardiff City Stadium.
But Coleman admitted the Bluebirds ace has cut a frustrated figure after his most recent problem.
“I had a cup of coffee with Craig last week to chat about this,” said Coleman.
“Everyone knows he has had knee problems over the years, which have forced him to miss matches, and this time he has got this deep tear in his calf.
“He’s very frustrated. When you get north of 30, and towards Craig’s age of 33, you start thinking ‘here we go again’.
“He has had a load of injuries in the past and when you get another one on top of those you can think negatively.
“I know more about injuries than most, given my own experiences. And I’m not just talking about my car crash.
“I once ruptured my Achilles and was out for 14 to 15 months. You can get unbelievably low, start thinking you will never get back.
“At times like that you just have to ensure the right people are around you, which they will be in Craig’s case.
“I think he was a little low, perhaps couldn’t see light at the end of the tunnel.
“Psychologically it must be difficult for him. But the important thing is to get him right and back playing again.
“He is a strong personality and will get through this. We’re here to help too and will do everything we can to assist Cardiff in that.
“It’s frustrating for Craig, it’s frustrating for Wales and it’s got to be frustrating for Cardiff City.
“They brought him back as a high profile signing, with big expectations and suddenly he is out again.
“But it’s essential he returns for his club, his country and Welsh football in general. He still has so much to offer.”
Bellamy is one of a number of key men missing tonight’s clash with star-studded Belgium, but Coleman maintained: “We can still be bold, look to win the match and get our qualifying campaign off to a good start.
“Everyone talks about our big three of Bellamy, Ramsey and Bale, but three players are not going to get you anywhere.
“Clearly these are quality footballer, but we’ve other good players too who need to step up to the plate.
“We could speak for hours about Belgium’s strengths and we know what a good team they are. But this is a 90 minute contest and anything can happen.
“We have to focus upon getting our own performance right. Do that and the result will take care of itself.
“We were disappointed in how we played against Bosnia last month and we’ve learned from it.
You can’t wait until you’re a goal down to get angry, you have to do a bit more from the start and go for it in bold fashion.
“We can’t go into this game thinking ifs, buts and maybes and hoping to sneak some sort of result under the radar.”
www.Walesonline.co.uk