GRAEME SOUNESS faces a nervous 24 hours amid fears that striker Craig Bellamy could be sidelined for months rather than weeks of Newcastle United's start to the New Year.

The fiery Welshman hobbled out of Saturday's 2-1 win over Birmingham with yet another knee injury and he is likely to have a scan on the problem soon.

Bellamy, who was replaced by Charles N'Zogbia on 75 minutes, is out of today's trip to West Bromwich Albion and it is unclear just how serious the player's latest set-back is.

The 25-year-old has had numerous knee operations in the past but a date with top American specialist Dr Richard Steadman last season looked to have done the business.

And manager Souness - who could yet up his £3m bid to take Manchester City defender Sylvain Distin back to Tyneside - confirmed it is "a worry" for the Magppies, who are now on the verge of a striker crisis.

Skipper Alan Shearer (calf) and Dutchman Patrick Kluivert (hamstring) are also out of tonight's trip to The Hawthorns where Shola Ameobi will be asked to play as a lone striker once again.

Prior to Bellamy's withdrawal on Saturday, Newcastle had looked dangerous with the former Coventry star operating in tandem with Frenchman Laurent Robert down either flank.

And Souness, well aware that both men set up a goal each against the Blues, believes the new formation seems to be benefiting the team.

"Craig is a unique character. He lets us know that he likes going right through the middle. But he is getting happier out there," said Souness.

"Right now this system, given the personnel we have, is suiting us. I am a four-four-two man but I am not big on systems or tactics. I am big on great players working their socks off. If you have that you don't need much more. The game is at such a pace, players can see danger coming.

"Systems are for school teachers in professional football."

With further suggestions over the weekend that Souness is preparing to battle with Liverpool and Lyon for the services of Real Madrid's Fernando Morientes, Ameobi has to make the most of his chance in the Newcastle starting line-up.

And the former England Under-21 international scored a powerful header against City after connecting with Bellamy's precise cross into the danger area.

As well as Ameobi, midfielder Kieron Dyer turned in one of his best displays in front of a St James' Park crowd that has not been too receptive to the ex-Ipswich man since an early season bust-up with former boss Sir Bobby Robson.

But Souness said: "I have had a conversation with Kieron. I'm not giving it away what was said but I have yet to see him in his best position. He is an exceptionally talented attacking midfield player and he has to get nearer to the opposition goal.

"He doesn't want to go to any other club. He made an almighty rick at the start of the season but as long as he keeps showing that determination he will be OK here. The supporters aren't daft."

He added: "Shola is a young player. No one in football knows how good he is until he gets a run in the team. Centre-forward is the most difficult position on a pitch. He is a big powerful lad. If he can mess (Arsenal's Kolo) Toure and (Sol) Campbell around he can mess anyone around."

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