MARK Hughes (pictured) has given the strongest hint yet that troubled striker Craig Bellamy will line up for Wales in tomorrow's crunch Euro 2004 Group Nine qualifier with Azerbaijan in Cardiff.

Newcastle United ace Bellamy has had an eventful week after being summoned to court following an alleged public order incident.

Wales' boss Hughes said earlier in the week that he would assess Bellamy's 'physical and mental state' before deciding whether to pick him for tomorrow's Millennium Stadium clash with the Azeri (3.30pm).

But today Hughes said: "I have watched Craig very closely in training and he has done very well. "His fitness levels are good and there are no problems.

"I always look to get my strongest team out and I don't believe off the field incidents will affect on the field performances."

Bellamy's performances have been a major key in Wales' record-breaking ten unbeaten matches and with five goals in 19 international appearances, he is a integral part of Wales' success.

Hughes added: "People do make mistakes but if they show remorse I can accept that. I hope this is an isolated incident.

"Craig is focused on his football, which is crucial."

This is the latest controversy in an eventful career so far for 23-year-old Wales' striker Bellamy who missed six of Newcastle's eight Champions League games this season due to suspension.

Hughes was also angry with West Bromwich Albion midfielder Jason Koumas, who was the sixth member of Wales' squad to pull out of tomorrow's game.

Koumas' best friend was killed in a car crash on Sunday and, although Hughes sympathised with the 24-year-old, he felt let down by Koumas' lack of communication with the Welsh camp.

"We knew that a close friend of Jason's had died in a car accident," said Hughes. "But we were still under the impression that Jason would report. However, we had a message to the contrary on Wednesday.

"The communication between the player and Wales is an area that needs to be improved as we are now in the age of mobile phones," added Hughes.