Bellamy in the balance

Newcastle will wait until the last minute before deciding whether to involve Champions League hero Craig Bellamy, against Southampton at St James’ Park tomorrow.

Bellamy – who netted twice in the midweek win in Feyenoord – is only supposed to play one game a week on the advice of his surgeon after all his knee trouble, but Newcastle may put him on the bench tomorrow.

Newcastle are already without injured duo Titus Bramble (hamstring) and Laurent Robert (fractured cheekbone).

Provisional squad: Given, Griffin, Hughes, O’Brien, Dabizas, Jenas, Dyer, Speed, Viana, Shearer, Bellamy, Harper, Solano, Acuna, LuaLua, Ameobi, S Caldwell, Bernard.