Tosh puts hope in old soldiers

10:20am Saturday 11th October 2008

Wales boss John Toshack admits he is praying that his experienced stars stay fit enough for long enough to guide the team to success at international level.

And that wish counts double with regard to captain Craig Bellamy, who starts his first game for Wales for a year at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium against Liechtenstein in their World Cup qualifier.

"I have no intention of retiring from international football. I know some players in my position have done," said Bellamy. "After injuries they want to give themselves a chance to prolong their club careers. I respect those decisions, but it is not for me."

He added: "I have missed too many games for Wales to walk away now. I still believe I can play in a major finals for my country, and I hope I can still be around to help the youngsters in our squad achieve that."

Toshack, like Bellamy, will be keeping his fingers crossed that the West Ham striker completes the group four match without any further injury problems.

He said: "Craig, along with the likes of Simon Davies and Jason Koumas, are at the right stage of their career to be successful internationals.

"I just hope they can all stay fit. We just need them to keep fit and be able to help our youngsters, just like such people as Ryan Giggs and Gary Speed were able to help them when they were younger."

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