Craig Bellamy was delighted to be given 'a run out' as he inspired Wales to a comfortable 5-1 victory against Luxembourg in Llanelli.
Wales striker pleased with performance against minnows
Craig Bellamy was delighted to be given a run out as he inspired Wales to a comfortable 5-1 victory against Luxembourg in Llanelli.
Swansea forward David Cotterill had given Wales the lead before Joel Kitenge's spectacular strike pegged them back.
But the second period proved one-way traffic as Joe Ledley converted a penalty before Wales scored further goals through Andy King, Ashley Williams and Bellamy himself, capping off a fine display.
The striker, who is unaware of what his future holds at Manchester City scored his 18th international goal and enjoyed every minute of the game.
"I enjoyed it," admitted Bellamy.
"It took a few minutes to get the lungs going but to play football after such a long lay off was really nice. It was good to get ninety minutes."
The 31-year-old was pleased when manager John Toshack decided to switch formations after the break, as he made an immediate impact.
"The switch around to a 4-5-1 formation really helped in the second half. It was 5-1 but it could have been plenty more.
"The system really suits me and gives me the space and opportunity to concentrate more on attack.
"I'll try and brush up on my fitness and be back in time for the qualifier next month (against Montenegro)."
Praise
Meanwhile, Wales manager Toshack praised his side's second half display as they prepare for September's vital opening qualifying game in Podgorica.
"The side picked things up after the break and I thought we played some decent stuff," noted Toshack.
"I'm not a fan of two up top as they say, but in the second half we pushed the ball about and players looked more comfortable.
"We've got Montenegro next and it will be a tough game in a hostile environment. The more players we get back, the better. We certainly can't fault the players who played tonight."
Few complaints
Meanwhile, Luxembourg coach Luc Holtz had few complaints about the margin of Wales' victory after his inexperienced side received a second-half lesson in finishing.
"We knew we would find it more difficult the longer the game went on," he said.
"Some of our young players have a long way to go at this level.
"The penalty early in the second-half created problems in our head, but the real problems came after an hour when we started making individual mistakes."
