Bellamy: I’ll be back for world qualifiers

Mar 16 2008 by Chris Wathan, Wales On Sunday

CRAIG Bellamy has vowed to come back better than ever in time for Wales’ World Cup qualifiers – after undergoing the EIGHTH operation of his career, writes CHRIS WATHAN.

Wales boss John Toshack names his squad for this month’s friendly against Luxembourg tomorrow, but skipper Bellamy will be missing as he recovers from his latest injury.

The West Ham striker went under the knife for a double hernia operation, just weeks after an operation for a knee problem.

But the 28 year old remains determined he will be playing in the Premier League again before the end of the season.

He said in an interview with Real Radio: “I’m getting really stuck into my rehab now.

“I came back and broke down a few times this year but at the moment I feel good.

“And when I get to the level I want to be then I’ll come back – but when that is we’ll have to wait and see. I’ll definitely be back before the end of the season.

“I’ve had more than my fair share of injury problems over the years but I enjoy the training and getting stuck into it.

“Rehab can be testing but I enjoy getting my head down and trying to improve myself for when I come back.”

Tosh will be hoping Bellamy can make another successful return from injury and could be tempted to select his skipper for Wales’ May friendlies with Iceland and Holland if he is fit and firing.

But in the meantime the Wales boss will be hoping to follow up last month’s convincing win over Norway with victory against Luxembourg.

And Tosh has dropped hints he may include some of his Under 21 stars.

Recently he ran the rule over impressive Stockport defender Ashley Williams as a potential new international recruit.