Craig Bellamy has admitted he has held talks with Mikey Moore in a bid to persuade him to represent Wales.
The Rangers loanee was born in London and has represented England up to under-19s, winning eight caps to date at that level. But he also qualifies to play for Wales through is grandparents.
Highly rated at Tottenham, the 18-year-old is expected to have a bright future in the game and it was reported Wales chiefs were looking to get him to commit his future to them over the country of his birth.
Bellamy has now been asked about it and said: "We look at every player that’s available. I’d prefer it if it wasn’t aired, if I’m being honest, it does us no favours. We do our work behind the scenes.
“We do it for every player we feel is going to offer us something, but I’m always against pressure from the outside.
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“I’ve spoken to a lot of players we feel would definitely benefit us in the future – we need a big squad, so we’re always aware of that. We would be naive not to be aware of it.
“Any individual, I don’t believe, especially young players, should be in the public domain. I understand it but it’s not how I go about it. For me to mention individuals, I never do.
“But for us, we’re always aware of who can represent us. Do they have the mentality, do they have the ability to add to us?
“And if they do, then we’re always aware and always trying to be as active as we can, as we have been for a number of years.”
Moore has made six appearances for Rangers so far after moving on loan from Spurs in the summer.
