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Craig Bellamy Backs Harry Wilson to Open the Gates to World Cup Qualification

Harry Wilson of Wales. Pic. Alamy

Harry Wilson of Wales. Pic. Alamy

Craig Bellamy has revealed his relief over the fitness of Harry Wilson, his key man the head coach believes can open the door to another World Cup finals qualification.

Wilson has overcome an ankle injury to be included in Bellamy’s squad for next week’s World Cup play-off semi-final at home to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

His availability is a major boost to Wales as the Fulham star has become his country’s main talismanic presence and match-turner since the retirement of Gareth Bale.

The 28-year-old has been one of the stand-out players in the Premier League this season with 10 goals for Fulham as well as three for Wales in the 7-1 win over North Macedonia back in November.

“There’s still one or two players we can't afford to lose,” said Bellamy, after naming his 26-man squad to face the Bosnians and then a possible play-off final against Italy or Northern Ireland.

“I’d like us to get out of that situation, and Harry’s definitely turned into one of those players.

“You look at our goals, you look at our assists, he's played a huge part in that department.

“When he hasn't played, you can see the difference. We haven't had anyone to quite move into that role. I do believe that's a matter of time.

“But at this present moment, especially the form he's been in this season, we just hope he’s fit.”

In Praise of Harry Wilson . . . Fulham Folk Hero and Wales’ World Class Wizard

Wales captain Ben Davies is not included after the Tottenham defender - who reached his 100th cap milestone in October - suffered a broken ankle in January.

It’s an injury that has cast doubt on his potential World Cup involvement should Wales qualify. 

Centre-back Chris Mepham and striker Kieffer Moore are also sidelined with hamstring injuries.

But Wrexham goalkeeper Danny Ward is back after a four-month absence due to a dislocated elbow.

Defender Rhys Norrington Davies - on loan at Queens Park Rangers from Sheffield United - and Rangers forward Rabbi Matondo, have also been brought back into the squad.

As expected, there is no place for former captain Aaron Ramsey, who is currently without a club and last played for Wales 18 months ago.

“He hasn't played competitive football in seven months. He's not at a club," said Bellamy.

"It [Ramsey's future] is not really for me to talk about. It's a situation I'm sure which will resolve itself."

Wales have been unable, for the time being, to persuade Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips to commit his international future to them after he was not included in the squad.

Phillips, who has represented England at youth level, will play no part in the upcoming World Cup play-off fixtures.

The centre-back, born in Salford to a mother from Swansea, previously featured for Wales at under-16 level in 2021 before going on to earn more than 30 caps across England’s youth age groups. 

Although Welsh officials made a move to bring him back into the national fold, he was not named in the squad, although Bellamy has left the door open.
"We always look at dual-nationalities,” added Bellamy.

“It's been so good for us over a number of years. "But we're always active on it. We have to be.

"If there are players of quality and they have a chance to play for Wales, we have to be. So that's (Phillips) for another time.”

Bellamy insists he is content with the strength of his squad, despite the absences.

“I’m always happy. You will never hear me complain - never. We are without four or five players at this present moment, but there might be more at the weekend. That’s reality. That’s normal.

"That’s why, during my time here, I have constantly used the whole squad. We need a squad because to qualify for this World Cup, we have already played eight games and it could soon become 10.

"I have always said it - in order to qualify, it’s the squad that gets you there.

"So, for me, at this present moment, I will definitely be happy. There are no excuses."

Wales squad

Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow (Leeds United), Danny Ward (Wrexham), Adam Davies (Sheffield United), Tom King (Everton).

Defenders: Jay Dasilva (Coventry City), Rhys Norrington-Davies (Queens Park Rangers - on loan from Sheffield United), Dylan Lawlor (Cardiff City), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Joe Rodon (Leeds United), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Ronan Kpakio (Cardiff City).

Midfielders: Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United), Josh Sheehan (Bolton Wanderers), Jordan James (Leicester City - on loan from Stade Rennais), Joel Colwill (Cardiff City), Harry Wilson (Fulham), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Sorba Thomas (Stoke City), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City).

Forwards: Liam Cullen (Swansea City), Nathan Broadhead (Wrexham), Brennan Johnson (Crystal Palace), Mark Harris (Oxford United), Lewis Koumas (Hull City - on loan from Liverpool), Dan James (Leeds United), Rabbi Matondo (Rangers).
 

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