Bellamy confident of Magpies fitness

By Matthew Jones
June 24 2002

Craig Bellamy insists he is on track to be fit for the start of next season as he continues his rehabilitation from knee surgery.

Craig Bellamy insists he is on track to be fit for the start of next season as he continues his rehabilitation from knee surgery.

The Wales international striker is recovering well after an operation at the hands of top knee surgeon Dr Richard Steadman at the end of last season.

And Bellamy insists he is targeting Newcastle's first Champions League qualifying match on August 14 for a return to action.

"The leg is a lot better and I'm confident I'll be fit for the start of the new season," said Bellamy, the PFA Young Player of the Year.

"It has been a long period of recuperation and I've spent a lot of time watching the World Cup on TV.

"The Champions League will be the biggest stage I have ever played on and that only makes me more determined to perform well on it.

"Watching the World Cup over the past few weeks and seeing my Newcastle team-mates playing in it has just whetted my appetite for the new season with Newcastle.

"It is going to be a very exciting season at St James's Park and I know everyone concerned with the club is looking forward to taking Newcastle back into Europe and hopefully building on the success we had last time around."