Bellamy in Magpies pledge

By Matthew Jones
July 5 2002

Fit-again Magpies star Craig Bellamy has handed Sir Bobby Robson a pre-season boost by declaring he will be ready for the new campaign.

Fit-again Magpies star Craig Bellamy has handed Sir Bobby Robson a pre-season boost by declaring he will be ready for the new campaign.

The Wales international is on the road to recovery after a knee ligament operation and enjoyed his first run-out as Newcastle returned to training yesterday ahead of the new season.

And the £6million man says he is relishing the chance to play competitive football again.

He said: "The leg is better and I am confident I will be fit for the start of the new season.

"Watching the World Cup has only served to whet my appetite and I cannot wait to start playing again.

"It has been a long period of recuperation but with the Champions League ahead it makes me even more determined to perform well.

"It is going to be a very exciting season, building on the success of last time around."