Bellamy Putting In The Effort

Bellamy is looking to ensure his move to Blackburn is a resounding success by staying late at the training ground.

The Welsh International, who joined Blackburn for £5million following a series of fall outs with Newcastle boss Souness, feels he has a point to prove.

The 26 year old's chances have been restricted by a knee injury that has plagued him over the last few years but he has still managed to score 3 goals in 6 games.

Hughes has backed the player and said: 'It is early days but it is great to have Craig at the club. He is demanding as a person and a footballer, but that is what makes him such a good player. He spends so much extra time on the training ground, you can hardly get him away from the place. We had to pay top dollar but the opportunity of signing a player of Craig's ability was too good to miss. What we need to do now is get him on the pitch on a regular basis.'

In an Independent interview, Hughes says the key is the personal training: 'It is daily strengthening work. There is a programme he has to adhere to, which he does very well. It is just a case of getting him out on the pitch. He is desperate to have an impact here.'

Bellamy is pushing for a start v Chelsea at the weekend, although Hughes has to decide whether to stick with Shefki Kuqi who has a more physical presence.