MARK Hughes admits the Craig Bellamy side-show has been an unwanted distraction for his Wales team as they prepare to meet the mighty Italians here in Milan tomorrow.

And the Bellamy club and country row continued to rumble on today, further diverting the attention from the main event - Euro 2004 qualifying Group Nine leaders Wales clashing with second-placed Italy at the San Siro.

Today, Bellamy's club Newcastle United have threatened they will attempt to sue the Football Association of Wales if the 24-year-old striker picks up an injury in their double-header of the Azzurri tomorrow and Finland in Cardiff on Wednesday.

The FAW and Wales boss Hughes , however, are themselves considering taking legal advice following a statement from Newcastle which was a clear slur on Hughes' character.

Russell Cushing, United's Chief Operating Officer, branded Hughes a 'disgrace' and claimed the Welsh manager had a 'total lack of respect' for the player or Newcastle for considering to play Bellamy, who missed the Magpies' last three games due to a knee injury.

But an independent specialist maintained Bellamy was fit and, consequently, has trained in the latter part of this week.

And Bellamy confirmed last night: "I'm definitely in good enough condition to play, there's no doubt about that. "If my knee is giving me trouble I'll pull out, but I do not see that happening."

And Hughes, who has made a firm stance on this club against country issue, sighed this morning: "This is something that I could have done without.

"It has been a distraction - but this campaign has been full of them!

"However, it is important to show that we are a professional outfit and will approach everything in the correct manner.

"I want the best results for Wales and that means to prepare properly and have the best players possible.

"It has had an impact on the week's preparations but this issue seems to have been resolved as Craig is fit and well and in great shape

"There were comments on Newcastle United's website attributed to me that I felt strongly about, I think the certain article has been removed which I'm happy about.

"I don't want to go into too much detail about it but I'll possibly take some sort of action when I get home.

"These things, however, will make us more resolute as a unit and it won't affect us on the pitch tomorrow."

Hughes maintains that Wales' relationship with Bellamy's employers Newcastle, also Welsh captain Gary Speed's club, has 'not been damaged' by this issue.

Meanwhile, Hughes also conceded this morning that tomorrow's game could 'be too soon' for Cardiff City centre-back Danny Gabbidon, who has been struggling with a foot problem.

Andy Melville also faces a late fitness test on a foot injury, Reading's Adrian Williams is on stand-by.

Italian talisman Christian Vieri, who missed training earlier in the week due to a thigh strain, will face a late fitness test.