Wales captain Harry Wilson has expressed delight that head coach Craig Bellamy will remain with the national team after negotiations to join Burnley ended without agreement.

Wilson, aged 29, revealed his own transfer to Leeds United was encouraged by the presence of several Wales players already at the club.

The ex-Fulham attacker informed the BBC that he is currently at his peak and prepared to embrace greater leadership duties both at club level and internationally.

Bellamy appeared close to securing the role at Turf Moor during June but ultimately could not finalize terms with the Championship side, an outcome that suited the Wales captain well.

"Yes, clearly from a personal standpoint, I am pleased he decided to stay," noted Wrexham-born Wilson.

"I believe that since his arrival around 18 months to two years ago, he has certainly helped improve my game."

With Bellamy set to launch Wales' Nations League A fixtures against Portugal, Denmark and Norway from September onward, he is likely to visit Elland Road regularly.

After choosing to head to Yorkshire once his Fulham deal expired, in-demand Wilson strengthens an already notable Welsh presence at Leeds.

He will link up with international colleagues Ethan Ampadu, Dan James, Joe Rodon, Karl Darlow and Charlie Crew, alongside Wales Under-19 defender Jayden Lienou, who may earn his first senior cap soon following a call-up for the June friendly versus Ghana.

Wilson, previously connected with Leeds the prior summer, explained he had consulted Whites captain Ampadu extensively before committing.

"I would say Efe's (Ampadu) input has been the most significant, as I have spoken with him frequently, though I am close to all the lads, and even prior to arriving, during national team duties, they shared only positive views about the club," Wilson told BBC Radio Leeds.

"And then, yes, with Efe as captain, he has contacted me often, just as he did last summer too.

"So he has been very influential, but simply listening to what the others said regarding the club, the city and the supporters helped simplify the choice."

Wilson, who moved to Fulham from Liverpool for 12 million pounds in 2022 after a loan period, recorded his strongest Premier League goal tally last season with 10 strikes in 36 matches.

The 69-cap forward has also netted 17 times for Wales, including 12 in the last three years.

He has emerged as a key figure for the side, though he dismisses parallels with former leader Gareth Bale, and acknowledges that teammates and supporters will anticipate comparable contributions next term.

"Yes, I think the Bale comparison is something I have addressed promptly because I do not believe anyone in our nation could match the levels and ability Bale displayed across those years," said Wilson.

"He carried us through matches and delivered moments few players worldwide can replicate.

"Regarding being a standout performer or one of the primary players for the team, it is a role I accept fully. I feel that duty.

"I feel as though I have shifted from one of the younger players to one of the senior figures quite rapidly, particularly on the international stage, so yes, at my current age I sense I am in the prime of my career.

"I feel excellent. I feel very fit and strong, so yes, that is something I want to shoulder and hopefully deliver here as well."