Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay is well aware of just what Gareth Bale brings to Wales.

Like every Scotland fan, Mackay believes that getting the better of the wide midfielder could be instrumental for Scotland tonight as Gordon Strachan takes charge of his first competitive game when the Scots line-up at Hampden in the World Cup qualifier.

But it is the passion, tenacity and drive of Craig Bellamy, 33, that Mackay believes can also be pivotal to the Welsh.

The scot is Bellamy's domestic manager at Cardiff who are currently on course to win promotion back into the Premier League.

And he believes that whether or not the former Celtic loan star starts, his influence will be there to see.

"He is a super lad on and off the pitch," said his manager. "I don't have any doubt that a different kind of character would have chucked it and taken retirement long ago because he has had so many injuries and operations on his knees.

"But he is a determined guy and fiercely competitive. He wants to be the best and he demands the same from those around him.

"I honestly think that he is one of the most dedicated professionals that I have ever worked with. He applies himself furiously at every training session and he keeps the standard high.

"To put it simply, he loves the game. He is an example to anyone wanting to make it in football.

"Whether or not he starts, he will be in amongst it on the training ground and in the dressing room with the rest of the squad. He will be as driven as any of them – and if he does get on, then Scotland will know that they really need to keep an eye on him because he most certainly still has it.

"He is one of those players who gives his all, every time. When it comes to international games you tend to get players who call off games at times, especially if it is a friendly or an inconsequential game.

"Craig isn't like that. He is very vocal about playing for his country and if he's fit, he's there. I'd love to see him do well – just not too well!"

So often in the past it was Scotland who ended the Welsh hopes of qualifying for major tournaments; this time around it could be Chris Coleman's side who formally end Scotland's aspirations.

However, while getting to Brazil next year looks like Mission Impossible, Strachan will nevertheless want a winning start to his regime.

Mackay was at the game in Wales last year when the 2-1 defeat ultimately cost Craig Levein his job.

And while he believes that Levein was unlucky not to be given more time with Scotland, he reckons Strachan is the right man to lead the country forward.

The ex-Celtic player has faced Strachan on the touchline south of the border, and he expects that his no-nonsense approach and his straightforward manner will get the best out of players.

"I remember being a kid and watching Gordon play for Scotland," said Mackay. "He always played with a lot of spirit, a lot of passion and he still has that in him.

"I do think that he was an ideal appointment, but at the same time I had a lot of sympathy for Craig too.

"He had a really tough time when he lost key players at very important times and didn't seem to have too much luck.

"If you think back to that first game against Wales, had the 'goal' been given that wasn't from Steven Fletcher that would have been a completely different game.

"What has happened has happened and it is frustrating that so early on in a campaign we find ourselves looking as though we need a miracle.

"But it is all about preparing for a way forward and hopefully we can start to see a wee bit of progress, starting with tonight's game."

Mackay himself is on course to lead Cardiff into the English top flight.

He is relishing the challenge and is optimistic that the fruits of this season's labour will be rewarded with a place among the elite next term.

He said: "As most people appreciate, the Championship is a very difficult league. But we are quietly pleased with the way we have gone about our business this season.

"It would be something to have a Welsh derby next season in the Premier League – but we don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves just yet."