Bellamy has no concerns over Canadian interest in Biancheri

WALES boss Craig Bellamy insists he has no issue with Manchester United starlet Gabriel Biancheri accepting a call from Canada this summer.

- TOM COLEMAN

The 18-year-old has come through the age groups with Wales, but is eligible to play for Canada through his mother.

He was recently included in Bellamy’s training camp earlier this month, and there had been some suggestion he could be in line for his first cap in a bid to tie him down to the nation of his birth.

But Bellamy insists he has no issue with young players assessing the set-ups at other national teams before making a decision over who to represent.

Biancheri is set to link up with the rest of the Canada squad for a training camp ahead of the friendlies with Ukraine and Ivory Coast early next month, although it seems he won't be available to play in either game.

“I like people having options, it’s healthy,’ Bellamy said.

“He's not ready for our squad yet. It's something he'd like to go and have a look at, but I like to think we have done our work as well.

“He has been with us through the younger age groups, he knows what we are about and who we are.

“I don’t think it ever hurts someone to have options and to go and explore them. I’m never against that.