Thank God for that. If I’m not mistaken, Craig Bellamy has already played for Wales once this season when he wasn’t fit and we have suffered the consequences. He and Gabbidon have withdrawn from the Welsh squad for a friendly next week citing lack of match fitness as the reason. I suspect Mr Curbishley put his foot down and quite right too. We, after all, pay their wages.
There was a report earlier last week that TOSHACK was told by us that all they needed was games and that their call up would not be a problem. That is why I was surprised to see them pulled out by CURBISHLEY and more so when BELLAMY played and scored for the reserves.
TOSHACK hasn’t come out and said anything since so I’m not sure if he’s upset or if this is a sign that the clubs relationship with WALES is a good one.
I think if clubs and countries are more honest with each other and have only the players health at heart then they can work together without problems. I hope this is the case with us and WALES – a good relationship based on trust.
….and speaking of the reserves; FAUBERT also got a run out and the official site gave us an idea of how quick he is:
“Faubert continued to link up well with Bellamy and Faubert before some good skill..”
…so quick that he can pass to himself!!!
I agree iain its a blessing they are not in the wales squad and a good call from curbs,these are two valuable players that will help push us forward
Yep, I agree with you too, Iain. Especially as Collins is injured (another loss for the Welsh), we appear to have gone from seven centre backs at the beginning of the season, to three now! As McCartney is one card short of a suspension, and Gabbidon being my preferred cover in that position, we can’t afford to lose him. As for Bellamy, please God may he remain intact until the end of the season.
Bellamy has only had one reserve game, then 20 minutes on Saturday before a special hammer VI against QPR. I know Gabs played in the reserves.
They clearly are not fit enough for full training with the Wales squad and Curbs rightly so is making sure these big players are nursed back under close supervision from the physio’s.
Its only a Wales friendly so why should players that ARE NOT match fit be risked?
Seems very sensible all round and that is why Toshack isn’t compaining.
I just hope they are both fit for Saturday. We have missed Bellamy badly.
I remember some fans in the summer giving it loads about not wanting him at West Ham. So far, there has not been one hint off any trouble. Now that we all have seen just what he can give to the team, there is almost a complete turnaround on opinion. All the credit for that must go to both Curbishley and Bellamy.
Surely the best way for players to get match fit is by playing football matches. A non competative game for Wales must be better preperation for the premiership than the reserve fixture vs Portsmouth at Havant and Waterlooville. If we have a good understanding with Wales then trust Toshack to handled the players with due care. I for one would love to see the return of players wanting to represent thier country no matter what, maybe we would see England play with a bit of passion if the overpaid primos had displayed some pride and were desperate to wear the three lions.
jumped for joy when i found out bellars withdrew,it is a must to have him back fit,
Just heard on a forum on knees up mother brown that someone has said bellamy is out for rest of the season,can anyone confirm this or is it just some stupid plonker on a wind up