Wales boss Craig Bellamy has responded to reports suggesting that he has spoken to Tottenham youngster Mikey Moore about switching his international allegiance from England to Wales.
Mikey Moore has had a tough start to his loan spell at Rangers, with the teenager coming under criticism from the media for his performances.
In the meantime, reports are circulating that the 18-year-old has another big decision brewing over his international career.
The Tottenham man qualifies to play for Wales through his grandmother, and according to reports, Bellamy has spoken to Moore about changing his allegiance from the Three Lions to the Dragons.
Craig Bellamy gives an interesting answer about Tottenham youngster Mikey Moore
Moore has represented England from Under-15 to the Under-19 level, but the prospect of potentially playing in next year’s World Cup for Wales may be tempting for the youngster.
When asked about the reports regarding the Spurs academy graduate, Bellamy has refused to deny that he has spoken to the attacking midfielder about playing for his side.
When the media reports regarding the international tug of war over Moore were put to the Wales boss, he responded (via The Independent): “I’d prefer it if it wasn’t aired, if I’m being honest, it does us no favours. I’m always against pressure from the outside.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of players we feel would definitely benefit us in the future – we need a big squad, so we’re always aware of that. We would be naive not to be aware of it.”
Moore’s spell at Rangers may be cut short
Some pundits have suggested that Moore is stuck in a toxic situation at Rangers, given the negativity surrounding the club at the moment.
A report in Football Insider has even claimed that Moore is unhappy with the role he has been given by Russel Martin at Ibrox.
The same outlet revealed that Tottenham have the option to recall the teenager in January, and they could well take that up and send him on loan elsewhere.