Coleman sees Bellamy role

The 32-year-old Liverpool striker was in fine form for his country when it enjoyed a run of four wins from five games prior to the death of then-manager Gary Speed in November, scoring in the 4-1 win over Norway that proved to be the former Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United midfielder's last in charge.

Bellamy enjoyed a close relationship with Speed, which led Bellamy to ditch any plans of international retirement after John Toshack's exit in 2010, but he was hit particularly hard by Speed's death and there has been speculation that he may decide to call time on his Wales career.

Coleman has been named as Speed's successor, being handed a contract through to the end of the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

He will be in charge for the first time when Wales plays Costa Rica next month in a memorial match for Speed, where the former Fulham manager has said he will take a 'background' role.

And he hopes that Bellamy will decide to remain involved in the national side as it goes in search of a first place at a major finals since 1958, not just for the forward's playing ability but for the high standards he demands from those around him.

Coleman, who has already had a brief discussion with the player, said: "Craig came back for Gary, I understand that, not for me. I hope he will stay, I hope that's the case.

"I will try and talk him round. I need to speak to him first.

"We need Craig Bellamy, not just because of his ability but also because of his mentality, he can be demanding and difficult but also he wants things done right and sometimes that pushes people in the right direction, so I hope he stays, I will have that conversation with him.

"I have never been involved in a winning team where everybody loved everybody else to pieces. That's about winning. You don't have to like each other."

Although Coleman would love Bellamy to stay on and add to his 67 caps, he knows he has enough talent at his disposal to launch a genuine bid to qualify for the 2014 finals in Brazil, with the draw having handed Wales a group also including Croatia, Serbia, Belgium, Scotland and FYR Macedonia.

The likes of Ashley Williams, Joe Allen, Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale all turned in a series of eye-catching displays under Speed, and Coleman is relishing the chance to work with them.

He said: "The last five games, including England where they lost narrowly, all the signs are there.

"We are in a tough group. It's not easy. It doesn't mean just because we have won four games we are going to be odds-on favourites. But we have a chance to do something big.

"Belgium and other teams will be looking at what we have done recently and paying us more respect, and so they should. We have players doing well in the Premier League and that puts us in a good position."