Shaw's Glad There Is No Bellamy
Last updated : 27 January 2005 By Covsupport
City defender Richard Shaw has admitted that he is glad that Craig Bellamy won't be playing against the Sky Blues in the FA Cup tie on Saturday.
He told Adrian Milledge of the Guardian: "If I'm perfectly honest, I'd prefer to see Craig Bellamy him not playing at all. "I wouldn't want to have to mark him wherever he plays," adds Shaw, a man-marker of much renown.
"He's quick, direct and a real handful. He's also very hungry for goals - I watched him in the last round of the FA Cup when Newcastle played Yeading. Some players would have taken it easy once Newcastle were 2-0 ahead, but not Craig.
"Since he's left Coventry, he's improved 100% as a footballer. "I don't think he had the best of years at Coventry and I'm sure he'd be the first to admit that. He was a new player and it was our relegation season, so it was very difficult for everyone. A few people were surprised when he went to Newcastle but anyone who doubted his ability has been proved wrong. He's played very well. That's why, from a personal standpoint, I would prefer to see him not playing against us."
The 36 year old defender who was rejected for a testimonial last summer and who will be out of contract in June is likely to face Alan Shearer.
He said: "I've had many battles with Alan Shearer and that's about as close as I get to him. "I guess I've won a few of them but he's obviously come out on top - his goals record speaks for itself. For me he's been the best player since the Premiership started.
"He's very clever and very strong. He's an exceptional goalscorer. I've seen some goals he's scored and wondered how he's done it. I remember watching him volley in a corner from the edge of the penalty area when Newcastle played Leeds. I asked myself what was he doing there when you'd expect him to be in the six-yard box. But that's typical of all great goalscorers like Shearer, Fowler and Owen: they seem to have this knack of being in the right place at the right time."
Meanwhile as exclusively revealed on Covsupport, Craig Bellamy is wanted by Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes. Media reports also indicate interest from Portsmouth and Aston Villa.
