Craig Bellamy is full of praise for Cardiff City manager Brian Barry-Murphy, calling him a ‘dream’ influence on Wales’ national team. As Bellamy preps for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia, he’s enlisted four Cardiff players, highlighting Barry-Murphy’s positive impact.
Bellamy sees similarities between his coaching style and that of the Cardiff boss, praising how the Irishman’s approach aligns with his national team plans. “Barry-Murphy’s style benefits us,” Bellamy shared. He admires Cardiff’s use of Welsh talent, noting up to six or seven local players regularly featuring in their side—a style similar to his own.
Bellamy attended Cardiff’s thrilling win over Wrexham in the League Cup recently, and particularly enjoyed Rubin Colwill’s standout performance. Colwill, who has sometimes been on the fringes of Bellamy’s international squad, now joins his brother Joel in the upcoming squad. Bellamy applauds the progress of his Cardiff players, crediting Barry-Murphy’s role in their development.
“It’s not just about Rubin,” Bellamy says. “Players like Dylan Lawlor and Ronan Kpakio are excelling too. Their weekly exposure to this style is invaluable to our national team’s strategy.”
Cardiff’s current third-place spot in League One and their potential return to the Championship is bolstering Bellamy’s spirits. “Honestly, attending Cardiff matches is a joy nowadays,” he admits. “Seeing talented Welsh youths play an inspiring style of football is uplifting. It benefits the national team and the country’s football future.”
Bellamy’s hometown ties mean he naturally roots for Cardiff, despite not being a die-hard fan. For the first time in ages, he’s leaving games with newfound optimism, seeing Cardiff’s young squad develop into formidable assets for Wales.