Uefa Nations League: Portugal test gives Bellamy Wales focus

Bellamy’s already daunting task of toppling Portugal – along with Denmark and Norway – has been made even harder due to injury.

Harry Wilson, Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Dylan Lawlor and Nathan Broadhead are all unavailable for the current international window, meaning they will miss four games rather than the usual two.

But it presents others with an opportunity to shine, with Bellamy saying Wales are “hoping to find another Harry Wilson after these four games”.

Bellamy also admits a quick glance at the past shows how far his country has progressed.

The former striker – who won 78 Wales caps – never reached a major tournament, but has seen his nation qualify three times in the past decade.

A determination to avoid the doldrums Wales often found themselves during his own international career is now proving to be a major driving force for Bellamy.

“We’re still finishing second in groups, we’re now in our second time in Nations League A, so we still remain there,” he explained.

Bellamy added: “My responsibility is to play a part in that.

“It’s not just right now, it’s to make sure that we remain healthy and keep trying to push – we don’t dip and don’t go out like sides that I played in where no one cared.

“We were out of the group before we knew it. There was no real interest.

“We just can’t go back to that and we won’t go back to it.”