Souness in Bellamy dilemma

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has no intention of performing a U-turn over controversial striker Craig Bellamy.

The 25-year-old Welsh international has vowed to turn up for pre-season training on Tyneside as ordered next Monday after failing to win a permanent move away from St James’ Park following his very public bust-up with Souness.

Bellamy, who has spent the last six months on loan at Celtic, has even declared himself ready to train with the club’s juniors if so instructed, and there is a chance that will be his fate.

Chairman Freddy Shepherd insists the decision over whether the £6million striker can ever play for the club again rests with the manager.

Souness promised in the wake of his relationship breakdown with the Welshman that Bellamy would never play for him again.

Privately his stance has not shifted, ahead of Bellamy’s imminent return.

It could add up to an interesting Monday morning at the club’s Benton training ground, with Portuguese international Hugo Viana also due back from Sporting Lisbon if no agreement on a permanent deal is reached.

Porto and Benfica have dropped out of the race to sign Viana.