“He excites me” Craig Bellamy on Coventry City and Motherwell star after Wales call-up

Wales manager Craig Bellamy stated he’s proud of what Aaron Ramsey has achieved in his career following his latest injury setback that’s ruled him out of Wales World Cup Qualifying squad.

“I spoke to him this morning, it’s a tough one for him. I’ve got to be honest personally football wise I don’t really care, him as the person is more important,” said the Wales boss on Ramsey’s omission.

“I’ve known him since he was five so to watch his hard work, not just this period but throughout his career, the consistency he’s able to show, the elite level he’s been able to play at, but the person he is I care about that more.” added Bellamy.

The Wales boss admitted he’s unsure the extent of the injury picked up by the Cardiff City captain after being withdrawn during his sides 2-1 home defeat to Luton Town in the Championship on Tuesday night.

“I think he tried to be a little bit apologetic towards me and the first thought in my head was don’t you ever apologise towards me,” said Bellamy on his discussion with Ramsey.

Bellamy added, “I couldn’t be more proud of him as a person, his playing career has been one of the most incredible, he’s actually been one of my favourite players over the last number of years, what he’s done for us as a country, club football in Wales and what he’s done for young people in Wales I’m beyond proud to know him.”

“For me its just more about him as a person thats the honest truth thats all I care about and well let the next couple of days settle down.”

We have a lot of leaders says Craig Bellamy

Despite the absence of Ramsey Craig Bellamy still believes there’s plenty of leaders within the senior squad and doesn’t want to focus on who carries the yellow armband.

“We have loads of leaders don’t worry about it, were beyond leaders I think thats how you get to the level with the players we have, we have leadership groups,” said Bellamy.

He added, “You give people the responsibility and they take it, some people lead by example, some people command their voice, I believe in giving everyone the power to have an opinion.”

Craig Bellamy on addition of Kai Andrews and Tom Lawerence

The 26-man squad announced for the upcoming fixtures against Kazakhstan and North Macedonia includes some new faces under Craig Bellamy including 18-year-old Kai Andrews who received his first senior call up.

“I see him as a high potential player in an area where we need quality, he’s maybe a bit more fast tracked in what usually would be the case in international football but an area we need to strengthen and he’s the perfect profile to be able to do that,” said Bellamy on the Motherwell loanee.

“There’s something more about this kid he excites me,” added Bellamy.

There was also a place for Rangers midfielder Tom Lawerence following the injury of Ramsey. Its the first time the 31-year-old has been involved in the senior setup since 2021.

“Ive been trying to get Tom involved in the last couple of camps but he’s been injured and the one camp we were going a different way so we didn’t quite need that profile at that time,” said Bellamy on Lawerence.

The Wales boss added, “He’s a player I’ve had regular contact with and he’s been waiting and I’ve been waiting for the right moment to bring him in.”

“He’s a player I know a player with definite qualities I really like, he also has a good understanding of the game, good discipline so he’ll definitely add to the squad.”

(Featured image: Lewis Mitchell)