Bellamy ready to embrace new leadership role

Wales v Slovakia: Craig Bellamy has been characterised as someone who could start an argument in an empty room

Wales v Slovakia: Craig Bellamy has been characterised as someone who could start an argument in an empty room. It was perhaps no surprise, therefore, that the new captain of Wales was in combative mood when faced with one full of journalists yesterday.

His appointment in place of the injured Ryan Giggs has split public opinion, particularly as he may miss training because of an appearance at Cardiff magistrates' next week between leading his country in Euro 2008 qualifiers against Slovakia today and Cyprus on Wednesday.

Bellamy denies the charge of assault against him and the 27-year-old Liverpool forward feels much of the coverage which has surrounded his elevation to the captaincy is unfair.

"I expected the sort of reaction it would cause - the negativity that comes with it is something that I am not unfamiliar with," he said.

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"I've got this thing about me but I'm not bothered to be honest. What's more important to me is my manager, the players around me, my family and myself.

"They are the only people I have to prove anything to. I've had a lot of encouraging phone calls. The only ones who criticise me are those who don't know me, or work with me. Only one (manager) has who has worked with me and that is out of 10 managers."

The most high-profile dispute was with Graeme Souness at Newcastle United, although Bobby Robson did also describe him as the "gobbiest" player he has worked with. Bellamy believes he faces a balancing act between maintaining the edge which makes him an effective footballer and being the role model which his new position demands.

"If I'm a really good role model off the pitch but I'm rubbish on it, no one really cares," he said. "It's trying to find the right balance."

Bellamy got married this year and says his own two children make him conscious of setting a good example.

Wales' assistant manager Roy Evans has said he senses a greater maturity about Bellamy who has been overseeing table-tennis matches, trips to the cinema and individual gym sessions for the younger Welsh players this week.

"There are little bits of extra responsibility," said Bellamy, "I have seen Gary Speed do it for a number of years. He is someone I am in awe of - I respect him so much. I speak to him a lot. He was one of the first people I spoke to about it.

"I watched him closely as we were club-mates (at Newcastle). I hope it's had a positive effect. It's a great honour because we have such a young squad."

Bellamy feels a debt of gratitude to the manager, John Toshack, for the faith he has shown.

"I have been captain of the under-15, 16, 17, 18 and 21s," he said. "So I have captained my country throughout and this is the first time at senior level. It has been an ambition of mine and something I have looked upon and always wanted to do.

"If you look at the storm it's caused, it takes a strong manager to be able to do that. We haven't been speaking about Slovakia the past week, we've been speaking about this (the captaincy) which disappoints me a little bit. There is a lot of respect for John Toshack. I understand it took a lot of nerve, which is something that he is not afraid of showing."

Bellamy's commitment to Wales has never been in question and he became quite emotional as he tried to explain what it will mean to lead his country out against Slovakia at the Millennium Stadium this afternoon.

"I come from Cardiff, my family are here, my parents and grandparents," he said. "I have a lot of memories of living in the city. I grew up here. It will be really emotional. My nan, who has passed away, lived about 10 minutes' walk away from the city. So I remember walking into town with her a lot. That is the memory I get every time I walk out. So this will be a lot for her as well. Ryan Giggs is the captain but to have that responsibility for one or two games will live with me forever."

Toshack seems likely to keep faith with Everton midfielder Simon Davies for today's clash. Davies has played just 137 minutes for Everton this season. But the 26-year-old is likely to form a three-man midfield, with Carl Robinson taking a holding role and Jason Koumas supplying the creative influence. That means no starting spot for in-form Cardiff pair Paul Parry and Joe Ledley in what should be a 5-3-1-1 formation.

Bellamy will share the striking duties with Rob Earnshaw but injuries to James Collins, Mark Delaney and Sam Ricketts leave the side short in defence. That means teenagers Gareth Bale and Lewin Nyatanga are expected to form a youthful rearguard alongside Richard Duffy, Rob Edwards and Danny Gabbidon.

Guardian Service