Bellamy hope for Welsh

Wales have not given up hope that captain Craig Bellamy could be involved in their forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Bellamy has played just 18 minutes of Premier League football since his stunning two-goal display for Wales in their 5-2 mauling of Slovakia on September 12.

He lasted just those few minutes of West Ham’s 3-0 win over Middlesbrough four days later, and they have not won a game since following Bellamy’s groin problems.

But Bellamy has already started running after an operation last Thursday by the German surgeon that did the same procedure on Michael Owen last week.

Owen, amazingly, was playing and scoring for Newcastle on Sunday against Everton, still with his stitches in place.

Now West Ham, and Wales, hope that Bellamy can make the same high-speed recovery.

Wales boss John Toshack named Bellamy in his squad to play Cyprus on Saturday and San Marino the following Wednesday more in hope than expectation.

But now they may even get the blessing of West Ham boss Alan Curbishley for Bellamy to play some part in the San Marino game.

Curbishley desperate wants Bellamy on song for West Ham’s next match at home to Sunderland on October 21, just four days after Wales play in San Marino, a game the Welsh striker could be involved in.

Curbishley said: “It’s been five long weeks since Craig was streaking away from Reading’s defence and scoring, but after having the same surgeon and the same operation as Michael Owen on Thursday, Craig did a little bit of running on Friday.

“It’s a difficult situation because, if Craig’s fit, then he could get some match fitness back for Wales before he plays for us against Sunderland. But, then again, what happens if he breaks down? I just want him back.”

With West Ham having strikers Dean Ashton, Henri Camara and Bobby Zamora all injured, they may be happy to allow Bellamy some match practice against the minnows from San Marino.

The Hammers will monitor Bellamy’s recovery this week and Wales, who accept he will not play in Cyprus, will await the outcome.

Wales have already lost young goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey with a hip injury but expect Tranmere’s Danny Coyne to have recovered from a knee injury to travel to Cyprus on Wednesday.

Derby keeper Lewis Price played for their reserves tonight and will join up with the squad tomorrow.

West Ham defender James Collins will also link-up with the Wales squad tomorrow after a trip to the dentist, while Toronto midfielder Carl Robinson is flying in from his match in Denver and will also join Toshack’s squad.