Bellamy backed as skipper

CRAIG BELLAMY received strong support from his Wales teammates after being controversially appointed as captain by manager John Toshack in the absence of the injured Ryan Giggs.

With the 27-year-old Liverpool star facing an appearance in Cardiff magistrates’ court early next week on an assault charge — which he denies — many observers have doubted the wisdom of Toshack choosing this time to give Bellamy the armband.

The court hearing comes between Saturday’s Euro 2008 qualifier with Slovakia at the Millennium Stadium and next Wednesday’s second group match against Cyprus at the same venue.