EURO 2008 QUALIFIER Group D: Czech Republic v Wales Date: 2 September Venue: Na Stinadlech Stadium, Teplice Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru & the BBC Sport website

"Craig has been on fire this season, he can be our key man," said Gabbidon.

"He is a fit lad, he can run all day and he has that skill to be a good finisher.

"He could easily play up front on his own for us the way he plays with that energy. Thankfully he's on my side at international level."

Interview: Wales' Danny Gabbidon

West Ham centre-back Gabbidon, 27, faced Bellamy for only the second time in their careers in last Saturday's Barclays Premiership match at Anfield.

Gabbidon managed to keep his Wales team-mate in check for the majority of the game, but only a tight offside decision denied Bellamy his first league goal since joining Liverpool this summer.

We are all determined now to get the group off to a good start Wales defender Danny Gabbidon

"It was a good battle on Saturday, he's a great player and I love facing the best because it only improves my game," said Gabbidon, who should win his 28th cap for Wales on Saturday.

"It was a good competition between us. I know all about his pace and what he can do to a team, so it will be good to have him at the sharp end for us rather than coming at me."

Bellamy, 27, is set to partner captain Ryan Giggs up front against the Czech Republic in Wales' opening Group D qualifier on Saturday.

Wales manager John Toshack is set to revert to a 3-5-2 formation against the much fancied Czechs after favouring a more attacking 4-4-2 in the home goalless friendly against Bulgaria two weeks ago.

That draw extended Wales' unbeaten run in 2006 to four games - albeit all four have been friendly encounters - and Gabbidon says confidence is high in the squad.

"I am looking forward to the real thing now, we have had a few decent friendlies and they have gone OK so we are all determined now to get the group off to a good start," Gabbidon added.