By Matthew Jones
September 3 2003

Sir Bobby Robson has told Welsh striker Craig Bellamy not to risk his knee injury by playing for his country on Saturday in Italy. Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson has warned Welsh striker Craig Bellamy not to risk his season; by gambling his knee injury playing for Wales on Wednesday in their Euro 2004 qualifier in Italy on Saturday.

Wales boss Mark Hughes is desperate to have Craig play, but Sir Bobby said: "Craig has had the best treatment money can buy from this football club. He was told to take two or three weeks' rest and he has not trained or kicked a ball for us since then, so it is ironic that he is going off to play for Wales.

"This club has lost £10m by not going through to the Champions League proper. Will Wales earn £10m if they go through to the finals of Euro 2004? I doubt it very much.

"It's a delicate decision and can only be made by one person - Craig Bellamy. After all, he knows his body better than anyone.

"Yet I wonder how he can play for Wales without a game under his belt or without any proper training.

"What I would say to Craig Bellamy is that if you are 100% fit, then go and play for your country, son.

"But if you are not 100% - and I mean 100% - then don't take the chance."


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