City admit Bellamy mistake

Manchester City admitted Monday to failing to notify the Welsh Football Association of striker Craig Bellamy’s absence for the friendly against Montenegro on Wednesday.

Wales’ officials were left bemused when Bellamy failed to turn up for national duty after City forgot to tell them he was injured.

In a statement, City said: “Craig Bellamy is continuing his fitness and rehabilitation work following a knee injury.

“He suffered a reaction following Saturday’s game against Celtic and is therefore unavailable to represent Wales in this week’s friendly against Montenegro.

“Craig’s situation should have been communicated to the Football Association of Wales over the weekend, but a misunderstanding on the process meant this was regrettably not done until today.

“Manchester City have now made contact with the Football Association of Wales to clarify the situation.”