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England: Blackburn's Bellamy set for volatile Newcastle reunion [Sat Sep 17th, 2005]
London (AFP) - Fiery Welsh striker Craig Bellamy will return for Blackburn on Sunday, when Newcastle -- the club he left under such bitter circumstances -- visit Ewood Park in what could be a volatile Premiership clash.
The 26-year-old striker has been out since the opening game of the season with a muscle tear, but is back in training and is likely to replace Matt Jansen up front.
Blackburn manager Mark Hughes, up against predecessor Graeme Souness - also the man involved in Bellamy's unhappy departure from Newcastle - may also play David Bentley in a withdrawn striking role after the loan signing from Arsenal impressed in the goalless draw at Bolton.
"He was very close to making it against Bolton, but if it is the case that he misses a couple more games and he is okay for the next 30, then so be it," said Hughes.
"There's always a danger or a risk that you are tempted to throw him in a little bit too early because you know the qualities that he could give you.
"Hopefully another week of training will mean he's right for the weekend."
Newcastle coach Terry McDermott has challenged the club's multi-million pound superstars to prove they are the men to end the club's trophy drought.
Souness has invested in excess of 50 million pounds in new talent since replacing Sir Bobby Robson at St James' Park a little more than 12 months ago, but he heads for former club Blackburn at the wrong end of the table.
"The squad we have got at this football club now, Graeme said it is the best squad he has ever assembled," he said.
"In 1994, 1995 and 1996 we had a superb team with quality all over the pitch, but I think we have surpassed that now with the quality at this football club.
"But we are in a results-driven business and we have got to win games. It is no good having 11 superstars if you do not win games."
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