Bellamy to miss Sweden friendly

Posted Saturday, February 27, 2010 by PA

Craig Bellamy may have played his last friendly for Wales after being left out for next week's fixture against Sweden.

Manager John Toshack has steered clear of a potential club versus country row by opting to rest the Manchester City striker for the game in Swansea. The 30-year-old only returned to action after a knee injury last week and City have a crucial Barclays Premier League game against Chelsea immediately before the international break.

Bellamy's history of knee problems means he struggles to play more than one full game per week.

The former Newcastle forward, who has scored 17 goals in 58 appearances for his country, is still likely to be the attacking spearhead for Wales' Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. But with those more meaningful games ahead, Toshack perhaps sees no sense in risking antagonising City now and may be setting a precedent in regard to future friendly encounters.

His absence is likely to mean Sheffield United's Ched Evans and Simon Church of Reading will again play up front, as they did in the 3-0 defeat of Scotland.

The squad as a whole has a youthful look with the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Jack Collison and Gareth Bale included, but there is a recall for one senior player in Fulham's Simon Davies.

The 30-year-old midfielder has not featured since back-to-back World Cup qualifying defeats to Germany and Finland a year ago due to foot problems.

Chester-born St Mirren midfielder Andy Dorman is included and could win his first cap, while Brighton's Andrew Crofts has also been recalled.

West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon is another notable absentee due to a hamstring injury.

Swansea's Ashley Williams, on home turf at the Liberty Stadium, and James Collins of Aston Villa are thought to be the favourites to captain the team.