CRAIG BELLAMY is in no mood to give up his place in the Newcastle United starting line-up and is determined to keep Dutchman Patrick Kluivert waiting in the wings.

Bellamy was preferred, along with Alan Shearer, to Kluivert in the 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough on Saturday - when the Welshman netted the opening goal.

The 25-year-old has suffered a series of knee problems since arriving from Coventry three years ago, but he has started the new campaign in fine form after a pre-season in which he was the club's star performer.

And Bellamy insists he has never felt as good as he does now and wants to ensure he continues in the same vein for both club and country.

''This has been the first full pre-season I have done for a few years," said the Newcastle front-man. "I feel really good, the best I have ever felt.

''I feel my game can go on to a higher level - it has to do with the strikers Newcastle have around these days. Patrick Kluivert is a wonderful player, and I will have to be really on top of my game to get into the side. I have to step up a gear. I aim to take my game to a higher level this season."

Bellamy joins the Wales squad today and he is expected to play for Mark Hughes' side in Riga for a friendly against Latvia.

It will be Hughes' last chance to field his strongest side before he leads his team into a World Cup qualifying campaign - starting with two matches against Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland before meeting England at Old Trafford in October.

But Bellamy does not want to go into internationals cold and he is determined to keep his place in the Newcastle side - meaning trying to keep Kluivert on the bench at St James' Park.

''We (Wales) must not allow ourselves to be side-tracked by the England game because if we don't get off to a good start in the group we will end up going to Manchester to play England just looking for some pride and a one-off result against England,'' said Bellamy. ''It won't matter much by then if we mess up the first two games.

''Azerbaijan will be tough out in Baku, and the Irish have improved a lot under Lawrie Sanchez. They have started to play one up front and a packed midfield because they were getting turned over so regularly."

Sunderland's John Oster will not be joining Bellamy in the Wales camp this week after pulling out with shin splints.

But Bellamy, whose own international career has caused many rows between club and country, is looking forward to the World Cup campaign - especially playing England.

And Bellamy said: "We mustn't think that England have had distractions this summer - that's rubbish. They are one of the best teams in the world. The only distractions come from the media.

''They have top players, not just one or two to pick from. They have world-class players right through their squad."

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