Leeds United’s Ethan Ampadu still has a big part to play for both club and country this season, according to Wales manager Craig Bellamy.

The Whites captain has been ruled out until January with a knee iniury, and will not only miss a large slice of United’s promotion campaign, but he will have to sit out Wales’ games with Iceland and Montenegro this month, plus the November dates with Turkey and Iceland again.

However, Welsh boss Bellamy has revealed he has spoken to the Leeds star, who is determined to put the hard work in now so he can ‘hit the ground running’ when he returns to action.

“It’s tough for Ethan,” said Bellamy. “I’m really disappointed we don’t have him because of the talent and character he is. I spoke to him on Monday, but he’s a young man who is strong.

“He said, ‘No problem, it’s a little bit of a setback but I know how hard I have to work when I come back’. He will hit the ground running when he comes back and have a huge say for Leeds and us.”

Bellamy has described the decision to recall Joe Allen to the Wales scene as a “no-brainer” and insisted the Swansea midfield veteran has a “lot to give” to his country. The 74-times capped Allen quit international football in February 2023 when Rob Page was Wales manager, saying “time and injuries” had taken their toll on him.

“I spoke to him when I first came into the role as manager,” Bellamy said after announcing a 25-man squad for his second set of Wales fixtures “He’s a player I was fortunate to play with and I have admired. He’s an exceptional footballer and he’s still got a lot to give. I believe the way we play really suits him. He’s fit, available and willing to be a part of the Wales set-up, so it’s a no-brainer.

“I would probably have put him in my first squad but he wasn’t fit at the time. He’s got a great brain, he’s experienced and he’s a high-quality footballer.