Newcastle United: Shepherd: Bellamy stays

Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd has insisted Craig Bellamy will be staying with the club.

The Welsh striker has clashed with new boss Graeme Souness and was forced into a public apology.

There were questions raised about his future, but Shepherd has moved to assure Bellamy over his role at St James' Park.

"The only person who can make Craig Bellamy leave Newcastle United is Craig Bellamy himself," said Shepherd.

"I think in him we have a great player and we want him to stay with us. But he probably went over the line with what has happened this week and he has done the right thing in apologising to the manager.

"They have now made their peace and let's hope that we can all concentrate on the football now, especially as we have so much to play for."

Skysports