Freddy ready to resume responsibility for Wales

Freddy Eastwood knows his chances of leading Wales’ attack has been boosted by Craig Bellamy’s injury-enforced absence from the squad.

Bellamy, last night crowned as new Wales footballer of the year in Cardiff, has been ruled out of the Euro 2008 qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday and next week’s daunting trip to face Germany in Frankfurt.

Eastwood, Wolves’ £1m summer signing from Southend, is expected to lead the attack in Bellamy’s place in both matches.

He said: “With Craig not here I suppose that gives me a better chance of playing in both games.

“But I would really like him to be with us because he is such a good player, he is great to have around and I enjoy playing alongside him because he makes my job that bit easier.

“It’s a blow not to have him in the squad, so it could be me and Earnie (Robert Earnshaw) up front.

“He’s a very good player and I know he needs a goal or two as well, so maybe we will make a good partnership.

“He had not played for a while in our last game but he scored and looked pretty sharp.”

Bellamy was named Wales footballer of the year for the first time after taking over as national captain from the retired Ryan Giggs.

Unfortunately the West Ham striker was unable to attend last night’s Football Association of Wales presentation dinner, sponsored by Brains Brewers, at the Millennium Stadium.

Bellamy is currently undergoing intensive treatment at his club after a recurrence of a hernia injury and has been ruled out of the squad’s forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday, and next week’s trip to face Germany in Frankfurt.

The other main award winner, Tottenham teenager Gareth Bale, was also unable to attend to collect his young player of the year award.

Bale was ruled out of the squad yesterday having not recovered from a broken metatarsal and, like Bellamy, remained in London for treatment.

Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley picked up the clubman of the year award, having been ever-present for the Coca-Cola Championship club last season.

Wales manager John Toshack said: “It is a shame Craig and Gareth could not receive their awards, they have both been excellent for me and Wales over the last 12 months.”

Former Cardiff wing-half Alan Harrington, who won 11 caps for his country and played more than 450 games for the Bluebirds during the 60s, picked up the merit award while referee John Gow took the long service award.

Gow, from Swansea, spent 50 years as a referee and officiated on the Football League list and for UEFA.