By Matthew jones
October 8 2002

Gary Speed has told Newcastle United that if they try and put the muzzle on MOUTHY and AGGRESSIVE striker Craig Bellamy then he will not be half the player that he is now. Speed said that the way Bellamy acts is part of him, and there is nothing that the club can do. Gary Speed - Craig Bellamy's teammate for both club and country - has warned Newcastle United not to try and curb the "mouthy" Welsh striker.

Bellamy's fiery temperament has earned him a three-match Champions League ban and saw him come to blows with United coach John Carver last week.

However, Gary Speed insists his compatriot would only be half the player if forced to curb his natural aggression. His aggression helps him out in the game, although not on the pitch.

"Craig does upset people because of the way he is and the passion he has for the game, but we know that is what motivates him," said Speed.

"It is just his desire to do well and the type of person he is. If he went the other way and played as if his football didn't matter you would probably take away half the player."

As for Bellamy's spat with Carver, Speed added: "We are all grown men and we have all just learned to get on with it. That is the way Craig trains and prepares for matches. He gives as much on the training ground as he does in the team."