[theo kawala]

Craig Bellamy received strong support from his Wales team-mates after being controversially appointed as captain by manager John Toshack, in the absence of the injured Ryan Giggs.

With the 27-year-old Liverpool star facing an appearance in Cardiff magistrates' court early next week on an assault charge - which he denies - many observers have doubted the wisdom of Toshack choosing this time to give Bellamy the armband.

The court hearing comes between Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier with Slovakia at the Millennium Stadium and next Wednesday's second group match against Cyprus at the same venue.

Toshack clearly feels Bellamy can handle the pressure of leading his country while coping with the court hearing - and maybe feels that the added responsibility will help the Cardiff-born striker focus on football rather that worrying about his private life.

Norwich striker Robert Earnshaw said of his potential frontline partner: "He's always vocal, so this won't make much difference.

"He has to handle the court case. But he's strong enough to do that.

"He's been through problems before but he always goes out and plays well. It does not affect him.

"It will be nothing different from Craig, and playing alongside him I hear the most. He's moaning all the time, but it is because he wants everyone to do well.

"It's just the armband - he won't be anything different. You still must play like you always do, regardless of the captain. But it will be good for him - he wants to do it.

"We get on well - he's a good boy to have around. I enjoy playing alongside him, and we complement each other.

"I don't think this will make any difference to his game, he's just leading us out rather than being at the back. He always plays well, regardless.

"He's always telling people what to do. That's just how he is. Everybody can help each other. Craig is lively - he has an opinion and he's never the quietest of lads anyway."

Veteran goalkeeper Paul Jones, who was also in the frame to lead the side on what will be his 50th appearance on Saturday, said: "With Ryan out injured, someone had to step in - and it's a decision from the manager we all accept and respect.

"John prefers outfield players to be captain, which I suppose rules me out even though the Slovakia game should be my 50th cap.

"Craig will use his experience. He's not short of a word or two out on the pitch and he will do his best to help the youngsters along.

"He's a different player to when I first saw him in the squad at 18. He has matured now and is playing at a massive club at Liverpool. We needed someone with that experience and stature to step in for Ryan.

"Danny Gabbidon and I have had the armband, but you must have the whole team as captains. It is important that everyone takes responsibility."

Former Wales captain Kevin Ratcliffe has also backed Toshack's decision.

He said: "I just believe this might be a shrewd move by Toshack to keep the player focused on football during what is a difficult time for him."

The ex-Everton star added: "Craig has been outstanding for Wales, and the added responsibility will help him.

"Sometimes responsibility brings the best out of players. Danny Gabbidon and Paul Jones have done the job, but they are too quiet. But one thing is certain - you can never accuse Craig of being quiet."


Meanwhile, Jason Koumas wants to repay Toshack for showing faith in him.

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He said: "I have played in the last three games for Albion and I feel fine. I am getting stronger with each game and I enjoyed the match on Saturday against Leeds, I feel I am just coming into form now.

"Now I hope to get the chance to show people what I can do. Things dragged on in the summer, and that shouldn't have happened.

"That was my own fault, I should have gone back to training earlier and I accept that was a mistake I made. Now I am just glad to be back and feeling good.

He added: "I spoke a lot to John Toshack during the summer, he gave me advice and I knew exactly where I was with him.

"I am here now with the squad aiming to do well for him. People do think I am a difficult player to handle, and that is unfair, but what can I do?

"If you look in from the outside people are always going to say that considering what has happened.

"But for Wales I have enjoyed my time in every squad I have played in, I do not want to be missing any more internationals now. There are big games coming up I want to play in.

"I did not feel John gave me any ultimatums. The reason I wasn't with the squad last month was because I had not really had any pre-season training apart from what I did on my own.

"Any player would have said the same. But I am here now and I aim to do myself justice."

Toshack spent the summer trying to talk Koumas into making peace with Albion. He said: "I spoke with Tosh all summer, he gave me great advice and I thank him for that. Now I aim to repay him."