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Mind Games . . . Aaron Ramsey’s Brain Power Is World Cup Weapon, Says Craig Bellamy

Aaron Ramsey of Wales. Pic. Alamy

Aaron Ramsey of Wales. Pic. Alamy

Aaron Ramsey is poised to return to the Wales team after Craig Bellamy insisted the veteran midfielder’s “brain” remains invaluable to the nation’s World Cup cause.

The 34-year-old captain has been recalled to the squad for the friendly against England at Wembley on 9 October and the World Cup qualifier against Belgium in Cardiff four days later. 

It ends a 13-month absence from international duty, with Ramsey last featuring in the summer of 2023.

Ramsey has been building fitness with Mexican side Pumas UNAM, where he signed in the summer after leaving Nice. 

The midfielder underwent hamstring surgery earlier this year, and after a five-month lay-off he has made three starts and three substitute appearances in recent weeks.

For Bellamy, the recall is about utilising the know-how of his most experienced campaigner and the influence Ramsey can have on others.

“When I look back at that first game (against Turkey) he was immense. He has the brain. That's never going to go,” said Bellamy.

“We have legs in and around him that could really benefit from his type of profile. What I've seen is a player that when fit, still has a lot to offer in the way we play. 

“He definitely has a lot to offer. He's a player I massively admire.”

READ MORE: No Prizes Now For Craig Bellamy . . . But Wales Will Reap Reward From Young Guns

Bellamy revealed that Wales have been closely monitoring Ramsey’s rehabilitation in Mexico, liaising with Pumas to track his fitness levels and progress in training.

“We all have to manage ourselves and you gain more experience in how to manage yourself as you getv older. At the same time his club have really worked with him on that,” Bellamy added.

“They're really managing him which is brilliant for us. We've had someone out there a couple of weekends ago, to give us all the data back and how he's training. Everything is positive so it's only going to be good news for us really.”

Ramsey’s return comes at a vital stage in Wales’ campaign. 

They are third in Group J, one point behind leaders North Macedonia and level on points with Belgium, who also have a game in hand. 

Only the group winners qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, while the runners-up head into the play-offs in March.

READ MORE: Craig Bellamy Wants Wales-Canada Re-Match . . . At The World Cup

Wales still harbour hopes of topping the group, but realistically need maximum points from their final three fixtures and favours elsewhere. 

Even finishing third would almost certainly guarantee a play-off spot, thanks to their Nations League success last year.

The England friendly at Wembley will provide a stern test before the must-win qualifier against Belgium. 

Wales have not beaten England since 1984, and the sides last met at the 2022 World Cup when Gareth Southgate’s men won 3-0 in Qatar.

Bellamy’s 26-man squad also features a mix of experience and youth. 

Tottenham’s Ben Davies is in line to win his 100th cap during the window, joining Gareth Bale, Wayne Hennessey and Chris Gunter in reaching the milestone.

READ MORE: Wales Suffer First Home Defeat Under Craig Bellamy as Canada Strike in Swansea

Joel Colwill, who made his debut in last month’s friendly defeat to Canada, keeps his place alongside Cardiff team-mates Dylan Lawlor and Ronan Kpakio. 

Leeds midfielder Ethan Ampadu and defender Joe Rodon both return from injury, while Wrexham’s Nathan Broadhead and Coventry’s Jay Dasilva are also back.

There are, however, notable absentees. Burnley full-back Connor Roberts and goalkeeper Danny Ward miss out through injury. 

Leeds winger Dan James is included but remains under assessment after a knee issue.

READ MORE: Craig Bellamy Resists Aaron Ramsey Recall for Wales and Turns to Young Guns

Wales squad in full

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

Defenders: Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Jay Dasilva (Coventry City), Ben Davies (Tottenham), Ronan Kpakio (Cardiff), Dylan Lawlor (Cardiff), Chris Mepham (West Brom), Joe Rodon (Leeds), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest).

Midfielders: Ethan Ampadu (Leeds), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Jordan James (Stade Rennais), Aaron Ramsey (Pumas UNAM), Josh Sheehan (Bolton), Sorba Thomas (Stoke), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Joel Colwill (Cardiff).

Forwards: Nathan Broadhead (Wrexham), Liam Cullen (Swansea), Mark Harris (Oxford), Lewis Koumas (Birmingham, loan from Liverpool), Daniel James (Leeds), Brennan Johnson (Tottenham), Kieffer Moore (Wrexham).

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