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.

Norwich striker Robert Earnshaw said of his potential frontline partner: “He’s always vocal, so this won’t make much difference.

“He has to handle the court case. But he’s strong enough to do that.

“It will be nothing different from Craig, and playing alongside him I hear the most. He’s moaning all the time, but it is because he wants everyone to do well.”

Former Wales captain Kevin Ratcliffe has also backed Toshack’s decision.

He said: “I just believe this might be a shrewd move by Toshack to keep the player focused on football during what is a difficult time for him.”