New Wales coach Gary Speed is set to hold talks with striker Craig Bellamy to discuss the national captaincy. The Cardiff striker, on a season-long loan from Manchester City, has often missed internationals because of his long-standing knee problem.

And if the 31-year-old, who replaced Ryan Giggs as current national team captain in 2007 decides to stand down in the role, defenders James Collins and Ashley Williams are in the frame to take over.

Speed told the Daily Star: "I'll be sitting down with Craig in the next few days and having a chat with him.

"I speak to him often because I played with him for Newcastle and Wales. I know Craig as an individual and he's his own man.

"He's certainly got his own pathway mapped out in life and does what he feels is the best for himself.

"He is single-minded, but that is why he has been so successful in his career."

Speed, who penned a three-and-a-half-year contract, will also decide on his backroom staff.

The new boss, 41, added: "It's going to be a mixture of an experienced coach - someone I can lean on and look to for advice - and maybe a younger coach."