Wales coach John Toshack named Bellamy as stand-in captain for home games against Slovakia on Saturday and against Cyprus four days later. He takes over from the injured Ryan Giggs.

Bellamy's teammates supported his captaincy despite the fact he'll be facing assault charges in court next week.

``He's always vocal, so this won't make much difference,'' striker Robert Earnshaw said Tuesday. ``He has to handle the court case. But he's strong enough to do that.

``He's been through problems before but he always goes out and plays well. It does not affect him.''

Goalkeeper Paul Jones said Bellamy was mature enough to handle the stress.

``He's a different player to when I first saw him in the squad at 18,'' Jones said. ``He has matured now and is playing at a massive club at Liverpool. We needed someone with that experience and stature to step in for Ryan.''

Bellamy is to attend court in Cardiff. He denies the charges.