Wales manager Craig Bellamy has issued a stark warning regarding the enduring threat posed by veteran Bosnia and Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko, as his side prepares for a pivotal World Cup play-off semi-final.
Dzeko, who turns 40 on Tuesday – the same day Bellamy is set to announce his squad – remains a formidable opponent despite his age.
The former Manchester City forward, a two-time Premier League winner, continues to captain his national side while playing for Bundesliga 2 club Schalke, following spells at Inter Milan and Roma. Bellamy, who left City the same summer Dzeko arrived in 2011, acknowledged the striker's undiminished quality.
"He was never that speed player, but his link-up play and game intelligence is always going to be high," Bellamy stated. "He’s still playing at a good level and he’s definitely a dangerous player."
Bellamy outlined a key strategy for the upcoming clash in Cardiff on 26 March.
"The idea for us would be to keep Bosnia away from our box because that’s when he comes into his own," he explained. "The more time he’s outside the box the benefit it would be for us."
He also cautioned about Bosnia's collective strength: "We know Bosnia is going to be a tough game. Physically they are very good, well-organised. They are good in both boxes and don’t need too many chances to score."
The winner of the semi-final will then face either Italy or Northern Ireland on March 31, with the victor securing a coveted spot at this summer’s World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
However, Wales' preparations have been hampered by a string of injuries. Captain Ben Davies is sidelined with a broken ankle, potentially jeopardising his World Cup participation if Wales qualify.
Wrexham striker Kieffer Moore is also confirmed out with a tendon injury while West Brom centre-back Chris Mepham is also a doubt.
In a potential boost, Wales have approached Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips about switching his international allegiance from England.
The Salford-born 20-year-old, who has a Welsh mother, previously represented Wales at under-16 level before playing for England's youth teams, most recently the under-21s in November.
Currently on loan at Stoke, Phillips could be fast-tracked into Bellamy’s squad should he commit to Wales.
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