Bellamy happy for Gabriele Biancheri to explore international options

“I like people having options, it’s healthy,” Bellamy said.

“He’s not ready for our squad yet. It’s something he’d like to go and have a look at, but I like to think we have done our work as well.

“At the end the decision will be his. He knows where we are and where he is. He’s not ready for first-team football with us at this moment.

“It’s his decision. I’ve known him since he was very young and I know his family really well. Whatever he does will be the right thing for him, it’s not a problem.”

Canada boss Jesse Marsch has praised Biancheri and compared him to his highly rated Lille striker Jonathan David.

The former Leeds boss told Canadian reporters last week: “He’s a dynamic player. He’s very good around the goal. You can see he’s an intelligent player.

“He’s a version of Jonathan David. He’s not exactly the same player but he’s a striker that can play up on the backline and is also good at coming underneath and connecting plays and being part of the build-up phase.

“I’ve had good conversations with Gabe and his family. He has several options to think about in what country he wants to represent.

“I think it’s really important that the family feels the connection to Canada.”