Bellamy left out of Wales squad

Bellamy has returned to action following injury (GETTY IMAGES)

Craig Bellamy has been left out of the Wales squad for next week's friendly international against Sweden in Swansea.

The Manchester City striker is fit again after a recent knee injury but manager John Toshack has chosen to stick with the youthful attack that impressed against Scotland in November.

The decision may raise question marks over the 30-year-old's international future but he is thought likely to come back into consideration for the start of the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign next season.

By leaving out Bellamy, Toshack has steered clear of a potential club-versus-country row with City, who face crucial Barclays Premier League games against Chelsea and Tottenham either side of the international.

Bellamy is one of Wales' senior stars having scored 17 goals in 58 appearances. His absence is likely to mean Sheffield United's Ched Evans will again partner Simon Church of Reading up front.