Craig Bellamy's situation with Wales is intriguing the correspondents who cover that nation's international affairs, including the Daily Express's esteemed writer John Wragg.

Skipper and star striker Bellers wasn't included in manager John Toshack's squad for the midweek clash with Sweden, and veteran observer Wraggy detects "problems" in the Welsh camp.

He reports that "Toshack said that it (his absence) was because Bellamy had asked to be left out of friendlies as he tries to control the extent of the injuries to his knees".

But while pointing out that "the Welsh were awful without Bellamy on Wednesday at Swansea", the veteran Expressman adds "Bellamy is waiting for a call from Toshack" and will not quit Wales.

Neither Roberto Mancini nor the City team-mates who benefit hugely from Bellers's presence in a light blue shirt will be too perturbed that the hardworking player had a midweek rest.

But with games against a Breton XI and Croatia in May, warm-ups before Wales's European Championship qualifiers, Wragg writes: "Bellamy will make himself available for the Croatia game and does not intend to be forced into international retirement."

The Daily Star's anonymous writer is blunter: "Bellamy, 31 this year, was axed from Toshack's squad after saying he only wanted to play for a half to protect a niggling knee injury."

Meanwhile, it seems Chelsea's Joe Cole could be available as a free agent in the summer. The Mail's Matt Lawton suggests City might rival Tottenham and Liverpool for his services.