Roberto Mancini has once again been forced to insist there is no rift between him and striker Craig Bellamy.

The Wales captain is reported to have a stormy relationship with boss Mancini but the Italian is adamant there are no ongoing problems with Bellamy.

"I continue to read that I have a problem with Craig Bellamy," he said.

"This is false. I do not have any problems with him. If I did he wouldn't play. I respect him. He works very well and always gives 100%."

Former Inter Milan chief Mancini controversially replaced Bellamy's childhood hero and fellow Welshman Mark Hughes as Eastlands boss in December despite the club being in the top six of the Premier League.