HAVING watched Craig Bellamy play for Wales regularly and also at club level I can vouch for all the testimonies that came his way over the past week or so.

Only recently – and as if to prove a point to Roberto Mancini – he produced a remarkable performance against Luxembourg.

Admittedly, Luxembourg are some way from being the greatest team in the world. Nevertheless, Craig’s pace, work rate, vision and terrific skill were in evidence.

He scored a brilliant goal and had a hand in the other four of a 5-1 win for Wales.

It came as something of a surprise, therefore, that there didn’t appear to be an almighty scramble from Premier League clubs desperate to secure his services.

I’m sure many enquired but it was significant for me that, amid reports of top flight clubs being interested in him – Everton included – Craig settled on Cardiff City very quickly.

It is a decision that may have disappointed any Premier League clubs dithering over a deal.

Many people have questioned the move but it makes perfect sense to me.

Not only is Cardiff Craig’s hometown but it is also a great city with passionate football supporters.