Ramsey given Wales captaincy

Midfielder Aaron Ramsey has been named as the new Wales captain, manager Gary Speed has announced.

The 20-year-old will take the armband for the first time in Saturday’s Euro 2012 qualifier against England in Cardiff.

The match will coincidentally be Ramsey’s first for his country in 16 months after recovering from a badly broken leg.

Speed said: “Aaron Ramsey will be captain.

“I thought about it a lot.

“As I have mentioned before, it is about the future and planning ahead.

“There were two or three candidates. I thought about what is best for the team going forward.

“I spoke to Aaron before making the decision and told him there were certain responsibilities and duties that would go with it, and to see if he was happy with it.

“I’m delighted and he was really happy. I made the decision because I thought it was best for the team and the future of the team.”

The vacancy for a new captain arose after Craig Bellamy asked not to be considered due to a long-term knee complaint that will prevent him playing every game.

Ramsey is a surprise choice although there has never been any doubt about his status within the team, despite his long lay-off.

Defenders James Collins and Ashley Williams, who have both previously led the side in Bellamy’s absence, were thought to have been the main contenders.