Wales head coach Craig Bellamy has claimed that it is “not a problem” for his side that Ethan Ampadu is unavailable for their crucial World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia.
Ethan Ampadu played 90 minutes for Wales in their 1-0 win over Liechtenstein as he helped to keep their World Cup qualifying hopes alive.
Dan James sent a message to Daniel Farke during the win, creating the winner, which was scored by Jordan James, as Wales go into their final qualifier in third place in the group, level on points with North Macedonia and just two points behind group leaders Belgium.
However, Ampadu will be forced to sit out Wales’ final group game after picking up a suspension after he was booked against Liechtenstein.
Now, Wales boss Craig Bellamy has claimed Ampadu’s absence does not pose a problem to his side, ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty ImagesCraig Bellamy delivers verdict on Leeds United’s Ethan Ampadu
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Wales’ game against North Macedonia, Bellamy explained why he was not overly concerned by Ampadu’s absence.
With one-time Leeds transfer target Harry Wilson set to captain Wales in the game, Bellamy expects his team to show their versatility in Ampadu’s absence.
Bellamy said: “It’s not the first time I haven’t had Ethan Ampadu. This could be my 16th game now, coming up. I think I’ve only had him for about six, I think. So we’ve got used to not having Ethan, it’s not a problem.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
“I say it’s not a problem, we like him, I prefer to have him. But we have one or two replacements, not quite in that profile, but with the type of game North Macedonia will be, it suits as well one or two of the players we have in that area.
“I like players being flexible. I feel you have to be now in this day and age, that’s me personally. You need to be able to play four or five different positions, but understand different roles, understand what’s required for you with and without the ball.”
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty ImagesLeeds United winger Dan James caused a problem for Craig Bellamy
James was praised for his performance for Wales, however, Bellamy went on to admit that the Leeds winger caused him an unexpected headache as the game drew to a close.
With Ampadu entering the game on a booking, Bellamy was tempted to withdraw the Leeds captain to protect him from suspension.
However, he elected to withdraw James instead due to his limited opportunities at Leeds in recent weeks and risk Ampadu picking up the booking that will rule him out of Wales’ next game.
Do you think Leeds will be relegated this season?
“In an ideal world, I would love to take Ethan off. It wasn’t an ideal world. “We can only make five changes. I have to make certain changes due to what minutes players are able to play,” Bellamy said.
“We have to manage it because we want players in the right condition for North Macedonia as well. So, do I take Dan James off? Actually, he’s doing really well at this moment. But if I keep him on any longer, I take him out of North Macedonia.”