Serious business resumes for Wales boss Bellamy

Wales boss Craig Bellamy signed a four-year contract with the Football Association of Wales in July 2024 [Getty Images] Having emphatically declared his commitment to Wales following interest from Burnley in the summer, it's now back to the serious business for Craig Bellamy. The head coach will lead his troops against a star-studded Portugal side at Estadio Jose Alvalade in what will be his first match since the Clarets saga. So can the 48-year-old draw a line under the noise in the Lisbon sunshine? That may be the aim from the perspective of the Red Wall, although for the boss himself, the focus remains firmly on delivering. "The Nations League is amazing. I love it," he said. "We got promoted, so we've earned the right to be here because that's how it works. "If we finish third, we have a very good chance of going as the top 12 seeds into the Euro qualifiers, so that's a huge carrot for us." Those in the Welsh camp have made no secret of their delight that Bellamy is still in the role. Speaking ahead of the contest with Portugal, captain Ben Davies said: "Selfishly, I think as a squad we're very happy to keep him." Perhaps not all are fully satisfied that he is still with Wales, mind. Connor Roberts worked under Bellamy at Burnley and admits he would have loved to have been reunited with the boss at Turf Moor, before adding he was pleased he is still his international coach. "Am I a little bit disappointed that he's not Burnley manager? I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't," Roberts told the BBC's Feast of Football podcast. He added: "Now he is still the manager of Wales and he's going to continue to give us absolutely everything to produce and give us the best team that we possibly can and we'll see how the next few camps go." Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney also threw his support behind Bellamy as Wales embark on their second League A adventure in the Nations League. "Craig is an outstanding coach, we're so delighted with the work he's done," he told the BBC's The Phone In . "He's the best I've come across, he's absolutely obsessed with the game." Ronaldo spurred on by 1,000 goals and Portugal glory Contagious, confident - the rise of Lewis Koumas Bellamy's already daunting task of toppling Portugal - along with Denmark and Norway - has been made even harder due to injury. Harry Wilson, Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Dylan Lawlor and Nathan Broadhead are all unavailable for the current international window, meaning they will miss four games rather than the usual two. But it presents others with an opportunity to shine, with Bellamy saying Wales are "hoping to find another Harry Wilson after these four games". Bellamy also admits a quick glance at the past shows how far his country has progressed. The former striker - who won 78 Wales caps - never reached a major tournament, but has seen his nation qualify three times in the past decade. A determination to avoid the doldrums Wales often found themselves during his own international career is now proving to be a major driving force for Bellamy. "We're still finishing second in groups, we're now in our second time in Nations League A, so we still remain there," he explained. Bellamy added: "My responsibility is to play a part in that. "It's not just right now, it's to make sure that we remain healthy and keep trying to push - we don't dip and don't go out like sides that I played in where no one cared. "We were out of the group before we knew it. There was no real interest. "We just can't go back to that and we won't go back to it." Ronaldo record would be 'silly' Bellamy has consistently outlined his admiration for Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo. Prior to the contest, the 41-year-old said reaching 1,000 goals was a key driver in his decision to extend his glittering international career . The Welshman - who last played against Ronaldo for West Ham United in 2008 when the Portuguese netted twice for Manchester United - admitted he hopes the forward breaks the record in future. "For him to still keep going, you just have to sit in awe, that's the honest truth," added Bellamy. "You cannot sleep, but you've never been able to sleep with this guy. "The guy is incredible. We're talking about a thousand goals. Seriously? Who gets a thousand goals? We're not counting youth football or anything. "It's just silly, and I hope he gets it, but I hope he gets nothing tomorrow. It starts after us."