'Rare' Ramsey to make Wales debut

James Corrigan
Wednesday 19 November 2008 01:00 GMT
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A Wales friendly in Denmark would usually be described as being on the bottom scale of low-key but thanks to the debut of Aaron Ramsey tonight's match in Copenhagen is receiving a far higher billing. The captain, Craig Bellamy, certainly believes it will be an important milestone for both the teenager and his country.

"I cannot recall as much fuss about a young Wales player maybe since Ryan Giggs, and rightly so because Aaron is such a special talent," said Bellamy who will lead a team packed with under-21s at the Brondby Stadium. "He will leave his mark on his debut, he has that much quality. I am convinced that he will be a huge figure for us for many years to come. We don't get many like him in Wales and this is a natural progression for him."

The 17-year-old, who was signed from Cardiff for £5m in the summer by Arsenal, who beat Manchester United to the deal, has already played in an FA Cup final, albeit as a substitute, and started a Champions League game against Fenerbahce and Bellamy admitted to being excited by the prospect of having Ramsey pulling the midfield strings behind him.

"Aaron is different, very creative and very intelligent – he can certainly benefit me," said Bellamy. "He has that quality. His movement, how he receives the ball and the way he sees the game are different to other players. He is rare, that is what makes him so good. You will see. Maybe some people will not notice him, but then they don't know football. We know he is special."

Wales (probable, 5-2-1-2): Myhill (Hull); Gunter (Spurs), Williams (Swansea), Collins (West Ham), Nyatanga (Derby), Bale (Spurs); Collison (West Ham), Edwards (Wolves); Ramsey (Arsenal); Evans (Manchester City), Bellamy (West Ham).

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