Bellamy: Colwill Has “Long Way to Go” Despite Wales Recall

Rubin Colwill, who made his senior Wales debut in a June 2021 friendly against France at the age of 19, has been recalled by Wales head coach Craig Bellamy. Bellamy stated that Colwill, an attacking midfielder, still has “a long way to go” despite his recent impressive form for Cardiff City. The 22-year-old Colwill’s strong performances have been a highlight during Cardiff’s recent upturn in the Championship, leading to his inclusion in the Wales squad for this month’s Nations League fixtures against Turkey and Iceland. Bellamy expressed his desire for the Bluebirds academy product to continue improving his defensive work and suggested that his future role might be in a deeper position. “There’s still a long way to go with Rubin. I know Rubin really well and I speak to him quite a lot,” the former Wales captain commented. He added, “We’re both clear in what we see for him, what he expects from his career, where he is right now. We both agree there’s more [to come]. But I definitely agree in the last number of games his intensity has moved up.” Bellamy further noted, “I don’t just see an attacking player, I see an overall footballer that could be used in different roles as well.” Bellamy, who previously coached Colwill at Cardiff’s academy, had initially excluded the nine-cap playmaker from his first two Wales squads. However, the former Liverpool and Manchester City forward has now acknowledged the Bluebirds player’s recent displays with a recall. Colwill’s contributions, typically playing as a number 10 or in a free attacking role, have been crucial in Cardiff’s recovery from their worst start to a season. The team has achieved mid-table stability after securing four wins and two draws in their last six Championship matches. After being initially omitted from Bellamy’s first Wales squad in September, Colwill was subsequently promoted from the under-21s as a late call-up before returning to Matty Jones’ squad for last month’s Euro 2025 qualifiers. Bellamy remarked, “I probably have a bit more of an indication with Rubin because of the years I’ve seen him. Since he was 12, I’ve seen his development, I’ve been a part of his development.” He continued, “He’s a player I would have expected more [from] but we all develop at different stages, different moments. My development really came probably when I was 22, so he’s a similar age, that area where he can push on.” Bellamy further explained, “A lot of the habits I haven’t quite seen I feel he’s trying to bring to his game. If he keeps on that track… I see different areas for Rubin as well.” He concluded, “His engine, his volume of running is more than his high intensity, which is a different part of the game. So with Rubin, I don’t just see him in the front lines, I see him being able to play deeper as well. He’s going to need a bit of help with that.”