Bellamy misses Wales clashes

The West Ham striker is still recovering from a recurrence of a groin problem and has missed his club's last three matches.

Bellamy made a remarkable return from a hernia operation to play in both of Wales' last two games in Cyprus and San Marino last month. He then played the full 90 minutes, and scored against Sunderland on October 21, but has not played since picking up a further groin problem.

Wales have been informed Bellamy has no chance of facing the Republic of Ireland on November 17 in Cardiff or Germany in Frankfurt on November 21.

West Ham were more than willing for Bellamy to play in the last two internationals to allow him match practice.

But Hammers boss Alan Curbishley is now concerned about the long-term injury problems of the former Liverpool player, and said recently: "I would like him to have a complete 'shut-down' during the next international break."

Wales boss John Toshack has named two other players, Gareth Bale and James Collins, who have also not played for the past few weeks due to injury.

Tottenham teenager Bale is taking longer than expected to recover from a metatarsal injury, while West Ham's Collins has only just started running again after damaging a calf against Cyprus. Both must be considered doubtful for the two Wales games.

Toshack has named Wigan's David Cotterill for the first time this season after questioning his attitude and consigning him to a spell with the Under-21s. Nottingham Forest's Arron Davies, Luton's David Edwards and Swansea midfielder Owain Tudor Jones are all youngsters who have been called into the squad.

Brian Flynn's Under-21s to play Bosnia and France on November 17 and 20 include West Ham reserve captain Jack Collison for the first time, the midfielder qualifying through his grandfather, born in Bedwellty. Bristol City's Christian Ribeiro, 17, has also been called up for the first time.