Craig Bellamy, the relatively new Wales head coach leads his country into two fixtures either side of this weekend. The loss of Ethan Ampadu and Aaron Ramsey will impact on these upcoming games, Ampadu especially.

What we hear from Bellamy is clear and concise information, and a resounding sense that within his remit he can achieve far better for his country than numerous predecessors. He displays no favouritism as many feared, he simply goes for the best and follows his gut. What we have seen to date has been impressive and backed up by a maturity many haven’t seen from Bellamy before. On Joe Allen returning to this new environment, one he retired from back in February 2023 after the last World Cup. Now he wants to be involved and who can blame him ? “I’m very proud to be back and grateful to be asked and have the opportunity,” explained Allen. I think there is a sense of duty when you get asked and I think the situation is a lot different from when I made the decision to retire a year and a half ago. I’m really looking forward to it and being back with the group.”

Bellamy is unequivocal in his belief in Allen. “He’s just high quality and I honestly believe he has more to give. The way he’s looked after himself through his career, of course he’s had injuries of late, but I’ve watched him training for Swansea and he’s the type of person, he’s the type of profile you want in a squad, just by his leadership skills as well. We’ll look at training, the data that comes back, speak to Swansea of course on it, see the situation on his rehab work and what he needs to be doing. But it’s important that by the time these games are finished we send him back to Swansea in a really healthy position to be able to contribute to them as well. That’s really important for us, and hopefully that’ll be the case.”

You can’t fault Bellamy’s view, and for the first time in a very long time we hear from a Wales manager who is talking unity, providing evidence of his ability and most certainly is walking his talk.

A home draw against Türkiye was followed up by an away win against Montenegro. Fridays nights game in Reykjavik is a 7.45pm kick off, and once again numerous supporters of our website will be in attendance. The Red Wall has been magnificent again during this qualification period, and there has been little confrontation between Swansea and Cardiff followers. The message seems to be getting through to even the bluntest tools in an otherwise poorly made box.

News this morning on Joe Allen caused somewhat of a stir when the Wales side took to the training areas at the Vale Hotel in Glamorgan. No Joe Allen, However, he was adhering to a specific training plan agreed by the Swans and the coaches working with Bellamy. More of course as this game builds.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

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