Craig Bellamy hails Wales’ ‘footballer’s footballer’ as strong start becomes record breaking

WALES 1-0 MONTENEGRO: A first-half penalty from Fulham winger Harry Wilson gave Craig Bellamy his second victory in four games as Wales manager, breaking a record in the process

Craig Bellamy paid tribute to Harry Wilson after Fulham’s playmaker helped the Red Dragons boss create history.

The 27-year-old slotted home the first-half penalty that enabled the country’s new chief to make it four games without defeat. It is the first time a Wales manager has gone undefeated for that length of time – and Wilson received his boss’s praise after the final whistle.

Bellamy said: “He’s so good, so good. You can use him in so many different areas. It’s his timing … he can get into so many different areas of the pitch. He’s so intelligent, he’s like a footballers’ footballer.

“I knew he was a good player, I was there when he made his debut and I’ve watched him from afar, but when you get the opportunity to work with someone at close range, he’s so good, such a talented footballer.

“Probably the way we play, he benefits massively. You see a real talent. When I’m watching him, I’m just like: ‘Wow‘. I know it’s not for everyone to recognise and pay big importance to it but watch him without the ball, how he presses, intensity, sprint distances. I knew that when I came into the job. We’re just seeing the talent he has.”

Wilson’s importance to his country’s cause is coming to the fore. The winner here took his tally to five in his last eight outings. He has also contributed four assists. Form like that that has helped Bellamy make an unbeaten start to the Nations League campaign.

However, he was keen to play down the significance of his own milestone. He said: “I don’t feel like that … please play that down, it’s really not. I was expecting all scenarios. I had a good few months to prepare for these games.

“I came in as the Wales manager in early July so I had a period leading into September that allowed me to … it allowed me to prepare myself for worst-case scenario, best-case scenario and middle-of-the-road scenario. Whatever way it was going to go, the bigger picture was very important for me, without communicating that.

“I’m very conscious that you guys don’t like the word process, philosophy. Look, can we win every game possible? If it’s not the case, how can we improve during that period? That is really it.”

Get involved! Will Wales qualify for the World Cup under Craig Bellamy? Tell us your prediction in the comments section.

This was a game of two halves. Wales dominated before the break and the only goal arrived when Vladimir Jovovic caught Wilson following a short corner. He sent Igor Nikic the wrong way in the Montenegro goal – and it was just reward after the hosts squandered a host of chances.

Visitors’ boss Robert Prosinecki made four substitutions at the interval. One of them, sub Andrija Radulovic, cut onto his left foot and sent a thunderous drive slamming into Karl Darlow’s crossbar just before the hour. Bellamy – possibly sensing the danger – used that scare to re-introduce Joe Allen into the international fold.

The veteran midfielder, coaxed out of retirement eight months after confirming his withdrawal, added know-how to the mix with Nikola Krstovic’s late header not enough for Prosinecki’s side to draw level. And it took a fine injury-time stop from keeper Nikic to prevent Neco Williams from giving the scoreline a healthier look.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.