Wales manager Mark Hughes is prepared to defy Sir Bobby Robson and take striker Craig Bellamy to Italy at the weekend.

The Newcastle frontman has joined the Wales squad at their training base ahead of Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifying showdown in the San Siro.

Bellamy has been at the centre of a club-versus-country row which has seen him, at Newcastle's insistence, have an independent scan on his troublesome knee.

But Hughes will now assess Bellamy's fitness this week and has every intention of taking him to Italy and also having him available for next Wednesday's home clash with Finland.

Hughes said: 'Craig will not train today, but I expect him to do so on Wednesday. I think he has a very good chance of playing.

'We have been told that he is fit to travel and I will take my lead from our own excellent medical staff who I have complete faith in. I will be guided by them.'

Bellamy's arrival at the team HQ - the Vale of Glamorgan Hotel just outside Cardiff - comes after a major difference of opinion between Wales and Newcastle manager Robson.

Hughes has every right to insist players join the squad because of FIFA's five-day rule, but Newcastle are furious that their young striker is being considered for international duty.

Hughes said: 'I spoke to Sir Bobby about the situation on Friday, then we had several faxes from Newcastle on the subject.

'They invoked a FIFA rule that they believed meant they could ask for an independent medical assessment.

'We looked at the rules and although that was not really our interpretation, we were happy to go along with what Newcastle had asked, and we organised the independent assessment. Craig travelled to Sheffield for that on Monday to see a top specialist.

'He said that Craig was okay and fit to join us and that is what has happened. I believe Craig has a very good chance of playing against Italy.'

Hughes added: 'I am not surprised at what Newcastle have said, all club managers feel like that and they want their players to come back from internationals fit and well.

'That is just Sir Bobby voicing concerns, most club managers voice concern.'

Bellamy picked up the knee injury on his last international appearance in Serbia last month, and it forced him out of Newcastle's next two matches.

Robson hoped that he could have two weeks' rest during the international break and be fit for Newcastle's next match against Everton on September 13.

However, Hughes sees Bellamy as having a crucial role to play for Wales as they go in search of the three points that will ensure at least a play-off spot.

Hughes said: 'I would always have Craig's best interests at heart, and there is no way I would risk him if he was not fit. Craig has joined us and he is very positive about the situation.

'I hope he can play in both matches, but we do not really know yet. We will have to see how he comes through treatment and training, we will assess the situation game by game.'