Craig Bellamy has described his first year in charge of Wales as the best of his life as he prepares for Monday's crucial World Cup qualifier against Belgium.

Since being appointed as Wales' boss in July last year, Bellamy is unbeaten in his first nine games in charge of the country he made 78 appearances for as a player (W5 D4). 

Avoiding defeat in Brussels would match the Welsh record of 10 games undefeated set under Mark Hughes between 2001 and 2003.

Wales are top of Group J with seven points, six ahead of Belgium, who have two games in hand, having only started their campaign on Friday, drawing with North Macedonia. 

But Bellamy has no fear of defeat against a Belgian side ranked eighth in the world, saying: "Whatever it will be, it rolls on if we get beat, but it's going to happen.

"Do I live in fear of it? Not at all. I don't live that way. 

"I've had so many setbacks in my life, it's OK. I'm still here. And I've actually just had the best year of my life. This has been the best.

"How did I get that at 45? It's what I've been waiting for but, at the same time, it's like I don't know what's around the corner.

"But I know what I'm going to do - enjoy everything. The good, the bad, whatever it is. Maybe I look too deep into stuff or maybe not. I try not to.

"But we're here for a tiny, short time. I'm here today, I'll be gone tomorrow, so why not enjoy it?"

Wales are without Neco Williams after the Nottingham Forest defender was injured during the first half of Friday's 3-0 win over Liechtenstein.

Cardiff City youngster Dylan Lawlor has been called up as cover, but is unlikely to feature against Belgium.

Leeds United winger Daniel James is also missing, having failed to recover from the illness that ruled him out against Liechtenstein.

"I've never once moaned about it before, and I'm not going to start now. We have good enough players," said Bellamy.

"Of course, we'd like them, but they're not going to be here. Let's make sure they're in a good position for when they come back."