Wales allow Craig Bellamy rest

GARY Speed has left Craig Bellamy out of Wales' squad for the Carling Nations Cup match against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin next month.

The forward, on loan at Championship club Cardiff City from Manchester City, has an ongoing knee problem which restricts the number of games he can play in, and he is set to feature in a crucial game for the Bluebirds against fellow promotion contenders Swansea on Sunday, two days before Wales' game against the Irish on 8 February.

"I am sure everyone is aware of Craig's situation. It would be wrong of me to ask him play on Tuesday after playing on Sunday," said Speed. "Hopefully, longer term, he can play the majority of the games when he is available."

Tottenham's Gareth Bale, a revelation at White Hart Lane so far this season, was not considered because of a back problem, but West Ham United defender Danny Gabbidon is back after reversing his decision to retire from international football.

Wales squad: J Brown (Blackburn), W Hennessey (Wolves), B Myhill (West Brom); D Collins (Stoke), J Collins (Aston Villa), N Eardley (Blackpool), D Gabbidon (West Ham), C Gunter (Nottingham F), C Morgan (Preston), S Ricketts (Bolton), A Williams (Swansea); A Crofts (Norwich), D Edwards (Wolves), A King (Leicester), J Ledley (Celtic), A Ramsey (Cardiff), D Vaughan (Blackpool); S Church (Reading), R Earnshaw (Nottingham F), C Evans (Sheffield United), F Eastwood (Coventry), S Morison (Millwall), H Robson-Kanu (Reading).