Craig Bellamy is the controversial choice to captain Wales in their Euro 2008 qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland's fellow group opponents Slovakia and Cyprus.
The Liverpool striker faces a potential three-day court appearance in Cardiff between the two matches on a charge of assault, which he denies.
Wales boss John Toshack has opted to appoint the 27-year-old skipper in the absence due to injury of Ryan Giggs.
It is a surprise decision by Toshack, who only last month expressed concerns that Bellamy's preparations for the matches might be affected, even without the captaincy to add to his responsibilities.
"We have the situation with Bellamy. It will be no problem in the week leading up to Slovakia on the Saturday, although I know he must be concerned about what is going to happen," Toshack said last month.
"But in the days before we play Cyprus on the Wednesday, we know he will be in court. That must be playing on his mind.
"I would hope and expect him to play in both matches, knowing him as I do. But it is something we will have to think about. I am not sure how we will handle the training situation with Craig. He will be in court while we are working, I will look into how we manage that." PA
