Bellamy row casts shadow over Welsh

MARK HUGHES admits the simmering club versus country row over Craig Bellamy has been a severe distraction before Wales’ crucial Euro 2004 qualifier against Italy.

After a bitter tug of war between Hughes and Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson, the striker is expected to start in the San Siro.

But Hughes regrets the situation ever arose in such a vital week for Welsh football.

He said: “It is something that I would have preferred not to have gone through this week.

“It has been a distraction and it is a lot easier to prepare for football matches without any distractions. We wish this would not have happened but we have sorted it out.

“I have spoken to Sir Bobby Robson and told him what the update is on Bellamy.

“He wanted to know what the situation was.

“Craig has been training and he is fit and well. I am comfortable with my actions this week and I have every confidence in our medical staff.

“We have covered ourselves and we have done it professionally and correctly.

“My duty as the Wales manager is to get the best result for the team and to put the best team possible on the pitch.”

Bellamy, who scored the winner when Wales defeated Italy in Cardiff last year, injured his knee against Serbia and Montenegro last month and was not fit for any of Newcastle’s three defeats against Manchester United, Partizan Belgrade and Birmingham last week.

Hughes’ main concern remains in the centre of defence, with both Danny Gabbidon and Andy Melville still struggling with a heel problem and a foot injury respectively. Crystal Palace defender Kit Symons is also a slight injury doubt.

A win against Italy would make Wales strong favourites to qualify automatically for Portugal, while a point would also leave them in control of Group Nine. Defeat would make a play-off place the likelihood.

Italy have not lost since their humiliating 2-1 defeat at the Millennium Stadium last October and have not been defeated in Milan since 1925.

The Italians were boosted by the news that Christian Vieri has been passed fit for the tie after recovering from a knee injury.

The Italians were in danger of losing the burly striker when he pulled up sharply during training on Thursday but he showed no discomfort during a final training session yesterday.

The Inter Milan player started with some gentle limbering up before joining in a practice match with the rest of the squad.

The playmaker role will be filled by Alessandro Del Piero in the absence of injured Roma captain Francesco Totti.