Captain Aaron Ramsey has urged Craig Bellamy to continue his Wales career as Wednesday's Gary Speed Memorial Match could be his final international.
Liverpool striker Bellamy is the stand-in Welsh skipper for the friendly with Costa Rica in Cardiff as the Arsenal midfielder is out with ankle trouble.
Bellamy is considering his Wales future but they hope he stays until the end of the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
"Craig has been a massive part of our success," said Ramsey
"He has proven he still has the ability to cause a threat and and he has huge experience.
"We hope he stays because he still has a lot to offer and he could be a major part in the future success of Wales."
Bellamy last skippered Wales in their Euro 2012 opening qualifying defeat in Montenegro in September 2010 before resigning from the Wales captaincy in December 2010.
The 32-year-old is fifth in Wales' all-time top goal-scorer list with 19 goals and leads Wales in what could be the Cardiff-born player's 68th and final international in his home town.
Chris Coleman has talked to Bellamy about extending his international career but the Wales manager is still unsure whether he will continue although Coleman is "positive."
Bellamy was particularly close to late manager Speed, his former Wales and Newcastle team-mate, and was deeply affected by his death in November 2011 so has not committed himself beyond this fixture.
"When he's ready, he'll come out and say what he wants to do," said Coleman.
"I have to try and put myself in Craig's shoes. He has known Gary a long time and was very close to him and his family.
"He came out of retirement for Gary. And Gary is not here now. It's not an easy one for him.
"I won't take it to heart if he comes out and says that he won't do it. I will understand. I hope that's not the situation.
"I've known Bellers a long time. I'm not saying our relationship is the same as it was with Gary's. But he knows me and the way I work.
"It doesn't have to be a love affair to work. Not that I dislike Craig because I like him. I have a lot of respect for him.
"I hope he stays with us because we need a Craig Bellamy, like most teams do on and off the park.
"You know what his mentality is like, he's a winner, he wants things done right.
"Personally I want Craig to stay and I hope he does. I will do my best to keep him because we're a better team and a better squad with him about.
"I think the talks have been positive but it is not for me to say, it is up to Craig when he says yes or no.
"But Craig knows how important he is to the group. I won't push him but I imagine his mind is already made up and when he is ready he'll come out and say it."
Bellamy has missed internationals since his Wales debut against Jamaica in 1998 due to his long-standing knee problems and Coleman insists: "I can't say just turn up for friendlies.
"I agree international football should retire you and I think you have to turn up to every game unless you are injured.
"Craig has played a lot of football and has had knee problems so that needs to be looked at. But he has won a lot of caps and has paid his dues."