Bellamy appeal likely

Last updated : 30 April 2003 By Martyn Elliott

The suspension was imposed after Bellamy was alleged to have sworn at match officials following our defeat at mediocre mid-table side Middlesbrough and is due to rule him out of the game at West Brom on the final day of the season.

But the ban will be postponed until after the appeal is heard and if upheld it is likely to be carried over until the start of next season.

However, as the final day to lodge an official appeal is Monday the club will wait and see whether or not we still need anything from the game to secure a Champions League place before making a final decision.

"We will be appealing against Craig Bellamy's ban so that he can play at West Brom," Sir Bobby told the Evening Chronicle.

"As far as strikers are concerned, we are already without Alan Shearer and Carl Cort for our last two matches but we still have Craig Bellamy, Shola Ameobi and Lomana LuaLua.

"And if necessary we could always play Kieron Dyer in a more forward role, so we will be all right."