AS the bitter row between Newcastle and Wales over Craig Bellamy yesterday took a dramatic new twist, Mark Hughes admitted it had been a major distraction before his country's vital Euro 2004 qualifier against Italy.

After a tug of war between Wales boss Hughes and Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson, Bellamy is set to start tonight's clash at the San Siro.

Newcastle insist the 24-year-old striker is risking a recurrence of the knee problem that has forced him to miss their last three games.

But Bellamy, who was last week told to rest for up to three weeks by a Harley Street specialist, claims he is in the "best possible condition'' ahead of the Group Nine game in Milan.

Wales this week infuriated Newcastle when they sought independent medical advice which contradicted earlier opinion in clearing Bellamy to play.

The Magpies' chief operating officer, Russell Cushing, accused Hughes of "disgraceful'' conduct in ignoring the club's wishes and Newcastle yesterday sent a letter to the Welsh FA, warning they will sue for damages and compensation if Bellamy aggravates his knee injury.

But Hughes is considering taking legal action himself over Cushing's comments. Hughes said: "We are surprised we have received a letter from Newcastle United's solicitors.

"We are taking legal advice ourselves and, as far as we are concerned, the matter is closed until we get home."

David Collins, secretary general of the Welsh FA, said: "We have done everything by the book and have complied with all the FIFA guidelines.

"In the letter to us from Newcastle's solicitors, they have made it clear they do not want Craig Bellamy to play."

Hughes, however, was more conciliatory when he confirmed he had cleared the air in a telephone conversation with Robson, and expressed regret that the dispute had arisen in such an important week for Wales.

He said: ''It is something that I would have preferred not to have gone through this week. It has been a distraction and it is a lot easier to prepare for football matches without any distractions. We wish this would not have happened, but we have sorted it out.

''I have spoken to Sir Bobby Robson and told him what the update is on Bellamy. He wanted to know what the situation was.

"Craig has been training and he is fit and well. I am comfortable with my actions this week and I have every confidence in our medical staff.

"We have covered ourselves and we have done it professionally and correctly. My duty is to get the best result for the team and to put the best team possible on the pitch.''

Bellamy, who scored the winner when Wales beat Italy in Cardiff last year, injured his knee against Serbia-Montenegro last month.

Hughes' main concern remains in the centre of defence, with Danny Gabbidon and former Sunderland defender Andy Melville struggling with heel and foot injuries. Kit Symons is also a slight injury doubt.

A win against Italy would make Wales favourites to qualify automatically for Portugal, while a point would also leave them in control of their group. Defeat would make a play-off place likely, but Hughes believes his side are capable of causing an upset.

"The players know this is the best chance they have to make it,'' he said. Italy have not lost since their 2-1 defeat at the Millennium Stadium, and have not been beaten in Milan since 1925, but Hughes added: ''History is there to be made and changed.''

* Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given came through the Republic of Ireland's final training session at Lansdowne Road yesterday and is fit to face Russia, writes Neil Silver. Irish boss Brian Kerr revealed that Given had been struggling with a knee problem but has been given a clean bill of health for the vital Euro 2004 Group 10 qualifier when he will win his 53rd cap.

Kerr said: ''Shay had a bit of soreness on his knee that is fine now.

''Training went well today, the pitch is in great shape and everyone is fit.

''I know my team and I've told the players and this is a huge game for us but only because we've done our stuff in the last four matches.''

Ireland's group is still wide open with anyone of leaders Switzerland, the Republic or the Russians still able to win it and qualify automatically for next summer's finals in Portugal.