Bellamy back in Wales squad for Russia clash

Craig Bellamy has been recalled to the Wales squad for Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Russia.

The Manchester City striker missed Wales’s 2-1 defeat in Montenegro last month in circumstances which caused controversy because of his club’s failure to inform the Football Association of Wales (FAW) of his non-availability.

Bellamy, who captains his country, has since reiterated his commitment to the national cause however and manager John Toshack has drawn a line under the incident.

Two other senior players, Jason Koumas and goalkeeper Boaz Myhill, are also back in the fold after missing the Montenegro defeat, while uncapped Doncaster midfielder Brian Stock is included for the first time in almost a year.

Skipper Bellamy, Koumas and Myhill were all out of the squad that lost 2-1 in Montenegro last month.

Wales have little chance of reaching next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa but could boost Finland’s chances of a play-off spot if they can beat the Russians, who currently occupy second spot in the group, behind leaders Germany.

Wales squad

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Wolves), Boaz Myhill (Hull), Lewis Price (Brentford)

Defenders: James Collins (Aston Villa), Neal Eardley (Blackpool), Danny Gabbidon (West Ham), Chris Gunter (Nottingham Forest), Craig Morgan (Peterborough), Lewin Nyatanga (Bristol City), Sam Ricketts (Bolton), Ashley Williams (Swansea)

Midfielders: Jack Collison (West Ham), David Cotterill (Sheffield Utd), David Edwards (Wolves), Jason Koumas (Wigan), Joe Ledley (Cardiff), Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal), Brian Stock (Doncaster)

Forwards: Craig Bellamy (Manchester City), Simon Church (Reading), Ched Evans (Sheffield Utd), Robbie Earnshaw (Nottingham Forest), Sam Vokes (Wolves)