WEST Ham United striker Craig Bellamy is relishing the opportunity to test himself against one of the best sides in international football.

The Wales captain will lead his side in Wednesday evening's 2010 World Cup qualifier against Germany knowing the Dragons will have to be at their very best to avoid defeat in Moenchengladbach.

However, the striker has the experience of the goalless draw the Welsh earned in the pair's Euro 2008 qualifier in Frankfurt a year ago to draw upon.

And Bellamy, who will make just his second competitive start of the season following Saturday's 2-0 win over Liechtenstein in Cardiff, is adamant John Toshack's side can repeat that trick.

"It's a huge task, they are an outstanding side," the 29-year-old observed.

"They got to the World Cup semi-finals and European Championship final.

"People say this isn't the best German side but they are doing really well in tournaments. They qualify.

"It's a tough ask. They may say they took their foot off the gas in Frankfurt but a lot of our boys will take confidence from that match. Hopefully, we can go one better."

And should Wales do so by winning in North Rhine-Westphalia, Bellamy claims the result would be the equal of the 2-1 Euro 2004 qualifier win over Italy he inspired in October 2002.

"Italy would take some beating. The manner of it, as well. It wasn't smash and grab. That's probably the most satisfying ever. (Italy coach Giovanni) Trapattoni said they were lucky to get away with 2-1," he recalled.

But Bellamy himself is delighted just to be back on the pitch after 12 months blighted by stomach, groin and hamstring injuries.

And the former Liverpool, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers star admitted he could be a pain in the backside during his long spell on the sidelines.

"I might upset people close to me at times with my drive to succeed at everything I do I can push it too much, but in the overall light it is to do as well as I can and hopefully people can put in the same amount of effort," he explained, defending his sometimes overexuberant approach to both his life and his football.

"It's my overall ambition to succeed in life that pushes me on."

Bellamy's West Ham team-mate James Collins could also start tonight's match after recovering from a long-term knee ligament problem and appearing as a late substitute against Liechtenstein.