Earnshaw ready to fill Bellamy's boots

Last updated : 19 November 2002 By Michael Morris
City's top scorer is confident he can do well aginst any team and is relishing the chance to perform on the international stage.

"If I'm called upon, I'm confident I can do a good job for Wales," Earnie told the Western Mail.

"It doesn't matter who I'm playing against, I'm always confident of doing well. I don't tend to get over-awed by the opposition or the occasion. Craig's absence will hopefully give me the chance to come in and impress the manager again. I had a great start to my international career and the confidence I drew from that performance has stayed with me. It's nice that people think I'm capable of doing something special like I did against Germany.

"I'm hopeful that I can pull something out of the bag again and perhaps score a couple of goals on Wednesday."

Earnie could start in a wide right position with Ryan Giggs wide left, both players will, in attack, support the main striker John Hartson. Providing Daniel Gabbidon and Mark Delaney start the game then Wales will only have to make three changes from the side that beat Italy. Definately out are Bellamy, Savange and Pembridge. In could come Earnshaw for Bellamy, Carl Robinson into the midfield and Gary Spped will move into midfield from left back. Darren Barnard could then come in at left back.

The Wales game is live on BBC2 Wales on terrestrial and sky digital and there is live radio commentary on BBC Radio Wales.