Bellamy withdraws from Wales squad

Wales captain Craig Bellamy has withdrawn from the squad for Wednesday’s international against Bulgaria.

The 28-year-old striker – who joined West Ham from Liverpool for £7.5m last month – will miss the game because his wife, Claire, is due to give birth.

Danny Gabbidon is expected to take the armband in the absence of his West Ham team-mate for the match in Bourgas.

Bellamy was expected to partner Freddy Eastwood up front for the clash.

But Derby striker Robert Earnshaw is now expected to line up for John Toshack’s team in Bulgaria, although QPR’s Daniel Nardiello is another option.