Liechtenstein vs Wales: The fire of banned leader Craig Bellamy is still burning

Assistant coach Pete Cremers will lead the team in Bellamy’s absence, alongside fellow coaches Andrew Crofts and James Rubery.

Whether Bellamy’s influence has been diminished by his removal from the touchline or not, anything other than a comfortable Wales win over Liechtenstein is inconceivable.

Only four countries in the world rank lower than 206th-placed Liechtenstein, and their part-time-dominated side – which includes students and office workers – have failed to score a single goal in their six matches this campaign, conceding 23 goals.

Wales is seeking to win in Vaduz and then beat North Macedonia in Cardiff on Tuesday to occupy second place in Group 10 and secure the advantage of playing on home soil in the semi-finals of the World Cup qualifiers next March.

There are scenarios where Wales could finish ahead of North Macedonia with a draw at Cardiff City, but that would require a margin of victory of at least six goals in Vaduz.

Bellamy will have both matches in mind when he chooses his team to face Liechtenstein, knowing that six of his players are one yellow card away from being suspended.

Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Jordan James, Josh Sheehan and Neco Williams will have to be on standby, while Harry Wilson will not be available as he is serving a one-match ban for picking up a second yellow card last season.

“Of course, we only have one eye [on suspensions] “But for us, we have to play with the strongest possible team we have now, and take care of what we feel might be Liechtenstein’s weaknesses,” Bellamy said.

“Tomorrow’s game is the most important game because it’s our next game. Now, if things really go the way we want, we’ll start monitoring them.” [North Macedonia]but not until then.

“We are able to adapt no matter what happens, but we believe it is in our hands to give ourselves a home playoff berth.”