Bellamy back to form with Hughes.

WALES captain Craig Bellamy will lead his side out against Finland today thankful to Mark Hughes for the backing that has made him one of the season's top performers.

The 30-year-old has rediscovered his form and desire under Manchester City boss Hughes, Wales' manager before John Toshack took charge of the national team, as he competes with the legion of world stars City have amassed.

He will win his 58th cap as Wales attempt to salvage third spot in Group Four after a draining campaign in a pool dominated by Germany and Russia, and heads into the match in confident mood.

"I am with familiar faces (Mark Hughes, Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki) - the people at City who have helped me when they were running Wales," he said.

"These are people you would give everything for, I would trust them with my life. When you are in that position and are comfortable around them, you would give everything for them.

"I have been involved with Mark Hughes since I was 16. If anyone knows me as a player, he does. It is as simple as that.

"I know where I am, he talks to me before a game and I understand him. I've had Bobby Robson who has also done that for me, sometimes some people around you know who you are and know how you like to do things.

"It is always tough for a nation like ours.

"We are small and do not have a vast amount of players. We feel injuries more than top nations."