Speed in confident mood

Last updated : 04 August 2003 By Martyn Elliott

The strike duo have impressed in their three friendly appearances so far and Speed believes that will mean a good start to the season for us.

"Alan Shearer looks as sharp now as he did before he was injured at the end of last season and he never loses that hunger for goals," the Wales captain told The Journal.

"His first-half hat-trick against Hartlepool was vintage Shearer and he's in great shape. Craig Bellamy has looked just as impressive in the friendlies and it's encouraging to see the pair of them working so well together at this stage of the season.

"When your best strikers are firing on all cylinders a week before the season starts it's looking good for the club."