Bellamy hopes Ramsey will play for 'couple of years'

Wales head coach Craig Bellamy hopes Aaron Ramsey will carry on playing for another "couple of years" despite his recent injury problems.

The Cardiff City midfielder has not played since mid-September because of a hamstring strain.

Ramsey, 33, also missed a large chunk of last season with a knee injury.

Ramsey has not been included in the Wales squad for Nations League games against Turkey and Iceland this month, even though he is closing in on a return to full fitness.

"I honestly still believe that he still has a good couple of years in him because of his footballing brain," said Bellamy.

"If you just watch his movement and how he's able to use his feet... you can tell a lot about a footballer with the way they use their feet

"Aaron is still able to do that, he still has an eye for a pass and can still time his runs.

"I believe he still has a period of really good football ahead of him that he's going to be able to offer us."

After he was appointed in July, Bellamy decided to keep Ramsey on as Wales captain even though the former Arsenal player only made 15 appearances for club and country last season.

Bellamy says a man who played an important role in helping Wales qualify for two European Championships and a World Cup still has an important role.

"He still has a lot to offer, not only playing-wise, but also to younger players and being able to show them what elite footballers look like," Bellamy added.

"When I was developing as a player, learning off the likes of Mark Hughes and Gary Speed and seeing really elite levels allowed me to have a decent career."