Wales 0-0 Turkey: Craig Bellamy era begins with frantic stalemate against 10-man visitors

Craig Bellamy began his Wales reign with a hugely entertaining, but ultimately goalless, stalemate at home to ten-man Turkey in the opening game of the UEFA Nations League.

Aaron Ramsey and Joe Rodon both came close during a blistering first half from the hosts, while Sorba Thomas had a goal chalked off for offside just before the break.

Baris Yilmaz was sent off after the interval for a second bookable offence, but Wales were forced to make do with what will still be considered a well-earned point.

This was the first glimpse of a new era for Wales, who will look to build on what was a performance brimming with positives when they head to Montenegro on Monday.

Since taking the job in July, Bellamy's meticulous approach to the finer points of the game had been a key driver in some of the early expectations around his reign.

'Information' was the word that repeatedly surfaced when the squad were quizzed on the first impressions of the new man in the hot-seat.

Bellamy's attention to detail is perhaps only matched by the burning passion he clearly already has for this job.

Indeed, he admitted this week the emotions of stepping out as Wales boss for the first time would likely tug on the heart-strings, but also insisted he wouldn't be allowing himself to be getting too swept up in the emotions of it all.

That apparent steeliness and composure must have been sorely tested by a typically stirring rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau ahead of kick-off. An anthem that acted as a release for the intoxicating cocktail of expectancy, intrigue and, dare we say, outright excitement, that had previously crackled through the nation ahead of this highly-anticipated curtain-raiser.

But for all the talk of a new era, the protagonists in this