Craig Bellamy backs Gordon Strachan to respond

Wales striker Craig Bellamy has insisted that Gordon Strachan is the right man to turn round Scotland's ailing fortunes despite their defeat in last night's British battle at Hampden Park.

Scotland took the lead through Grant Hanley but ultimately lost a second successive time to Chris Coleman's improving side.

Bellamy thinks that Strachan has the leadership qualities required to help the Scots come through a difficult period after working with him early in his career at Coventry City.

He told The Independent: "I owe Gordon Strachan a hell of a lot. I personally think he is the best Scottish manager out there who was available. I'm sure [Scotland] will do well with him.

"For me, as a coach, he made probably one of the biggest impressions on my career, on how to play, how to move. I really learned how to play football under him.

"I have lived up here, I have played here. I know how harsh the environment is for football. And I know how harsh [the press] are. He's gonna have to have thick skin, which he does. He's managed an incredible football club like Celtic. The press will go for him but he will be prepared."

Scotland are bottom of their World Cup qualifying after failing to win any of their five matches in Group A to date.