Wales boss Bellamy praises Liverpool's handling of Koumas

Wales manager Craig Bellamy has praised Liverpool for their handling of forward Lewis Koumas ahead of their Nations League trip to Norway.

The 21-year-old has spent the last few seasons out on loan at a number of Championship clubs, but is enjoying a breakout campaign for both club and country.

The forward scored his first international goal against Ghana in a friendly back in June, and is a regular feature in Liverpool's matchday squads under Andoni Iraola.

Koumas - who has made nine Liverpool appearance in total this season - also scored his first Champions League goal in a 6-3 win away at Austrian side LASK.

"I like what Liverpool have done with him," said Wales manager Bellamy.

"They've exposed him but also known when to take him out as well.

"There's competition as he's at one of the top clubs in the world, but I like watching him."

Bellamy had two spells with the Merseyside club during his career, scoring 18 goals in 79 games for the Reds.

"Of course I have a Liverpool head on at times, but I love his enthusiasm and intensity," added Bellamy.

"He has been a real big plus for us and hopefully this just keeps maintaining.

"He's getting exposed to real high-level football in the Champions League. There is nothing higher and that's only going to help us."

Before this season, Koumas had mixed success across his three loans to the second tier.

The forward made 31 starts and scored six goals during his first loan spell at Stoke City for the 2024-25 campaign.

A disappointing stint at Birmingham City followed, before he helped Hull City win promotion to the Premier League in the second half of last season.

"Loans can be hit and miss at times and I'm actually surprised by the amount of game time he's had at such a young age in the Championship," Bellamy said.

"It helps with their development. They see it, they smell it. In that period some take off, some don't, but it's not going to define your career.

"You're learning and gaining experience and exposure and Liverpool felt it was right for him to go on loan.

"They decided to keep him for pre-season this year and it's real example of how to progress a top, young talent."

Koumas' next opportunity to impress on the international stage comes this Saturday in Oslo, as Wales take on Norway.

Wales are looking to repeat their win over Stale Solbakken's side during the last international window to boost their chances of League A survival.

"The thing with Koumy is he hits a lot of the markers," Bellamy said.

"Intensity and sprint distance through the roof and when you look at a top player he has all the markers for that.

"I like him at nine and I love that intensity. I remember [Carlos] Tevez doing the same for me at Manchester City and players like Koumy inspire you.

"You see him going and you say, 'I've got to go, I've got to move as well.' It's got to be controlled, but his willingness excites you."