Liverpool chief Damien Comolli admits Wales coach Gary Speed assisted their deal for Manchester City attacker Craig Bellamy.
Comolli also criticised the scheduling of this week's international fixtures for clashing with the transfer window.
"It's one of those bizarre things that FIFA have put together, to put an international fixture at the end of the transfer window with all the international players being away," he said.
"I'd like to really thank Gary Speed and the Welsh FA for allowing Craig to travel. They let him go early this afternoon to make sure the deal could be completed. They were very helpful and we are very grateful for that."
