Ramsey credits Bellamy spark for lighting up Wales

Aaron Ramsey is adamant Craig Bellamy has rediscovered his spark courtesy of his deadline-day move to Liverpool, and his reward could be an international swansong with Wales at the 2014 World Cup.

Wales' former captain scored for his country for the first time in 18 months in the 4-1 win over Norway on Saturday, as well as playing a pivotal role in another goal to seal a man-of-the-match display – the fourth win in five games for Gary Speed's resurgent outfit.

And Ramsey, the current incumbent of the Welsh captaincy, insists in-form Bellamy can shelve any thoughts of retiring from international duty and prove a shining light in their bid to qualify for the next global finals in Brazil.

Ramsey, 20, said: "Whenever someone moves to a new club they are going to be excited by that and the season ahead. I think he has that spark in him again and he's shown that. Hopefully he will keep that going.

"Craig is a great player and has a lot to offer. Wales weren't getting great results a year ago but there is a new buzz playing for the country and the results have shown that. Everyone can see how promising this team looks.

"But Craig is still a massive player for us. He was a threat against Norway and he showed that by belting in his goal. We hope to keep him for a long time. He's at a great club, is in really good form and I'm sure he will keep going until the next World Cup if he keeps himself fit."

Bellamy, who won his 67th cap in the Welsh capital, will be 35 when the eyes of the world focus their attention on South America. But Arsenal midfielder Ramsey says his international team-mates are fully benefiting from his wealth of experience. "Craig is one of the best professionals in the game. His attitude is second to none and he's not shy to get in people's heads as well.

"In the changing room everyone has their opinions and discussions but Bellamy's experience is massive to us and he has been around the block a few times. It is going to do nothing but help us.

"We have won our last three games now which is a massive boost for our confidence and belief. Hopefully we can carry this progression on until the World Cup qualifiers."

Norway were the latest scalp for Wales after notable successes over Montenegro, Switzerland and Bulgaria, courtesy of goals by Gareth Bale, Bellamy and a brace for substitute Sam Vokes late on after Erik Huseklepp was handed a gift by goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

Scorers: Wales Bale 11, Bellamy 16, Vokes 88, 89. Norway Huseklepp 61

Wales Hennessey 6, Gunter 7, Matthews 8, Williams 7, Blake 7, Allen 7 (Robson-Kanu 76), Crofts 6, Ramsey 7 (King 90), Bale 8, Bellamy 9 (Edwards 90), Morison 7 (Vokes 70, 8). Substitutes not used Price, Nyatanga, Earnshaw.

Norway Jarstein 6 (Pettersen 46, 6), Ruud 6, Waehler 5 (Demidov 46, 6), Hangeland 6, Riise 5, Pedersen 7, Tettey 6, Grindheim 6 (Brenne 54, 6), Jenssen 6 (Parr 85), Abdellaoui 6 (Braaten 77), Huseklepp 7. Substitutes not used Vilsvik, Sorum. Booked: Ruud.

Att 12,637 Referee Gerhard Grobelnik (Austria).