Craig Bellamy has reportedly asked to be left out of the lineup for Liverpool's game with Man City today in the wake of Gary Speed's sudden death.

The striker, 32, has been a mainstay of the Welsh team since 1998 and was captain for four years.

The Reds are due to host league toppers City at Anfield in today's 4pm kick-off and, according to Sky Sports News, Bellamy has asked manager Kenny Dalglish to exclude him from the match.

Speaking recently, Bellamy said that Speed had rejuvenated the Wales side. "He's always setting us targets, always trying to improve us," he said. "It must have been difficult for him [when he] first came in.

"It was a losing atmosphere. As soon as we turned up we were used to getting beaten. Winning's a habit, but so is losing and we certainly had that."

Written by
Neil Wilkes