Bellamy poised for Wales return

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Hughes, himself a former Wales chief, is worried that striker Bellamy will not be able to handle three games a week as he continues his recovery from knee problems.

Hughes said: "We will have had three games by the end of the week and I would not want that for him too often because of his injury history. (But) selected for the Wales squad? We will see how he goes this weekend, he looks okay now but we will wait and see."

But current Wales chief John Toshack will name his skipper on Friday for next Wednesday's friendly international against Montenegro, just four days before the Barclays Premier League season starts.

Toshack, who is also expected to include fit-again West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon for the first time since November 2007, needs a strong squad in his only warm-up match before the World Cup qualifier with Russia in Cardiff on September 9.

Hughes is understandably concerned about Bellamy being over-played so soon after his recovery from injury.

He added: "Craig has had some game time in pre-season and looked really sharp, having come back from an injury that cost him a big part of last season.

"He has been working really hard physically on his game during the summer and hadn't really had a break, but he is looking strong and fit as well.

"I think that has shown in his performances, but obviously we are looking to protect him."