GRAEME Souness last night revealed that he would be asking Craig Bellamy to provide his version of events following the striker's alleged outburst at the Valley.

Television pictures appeared to show the Wales international launching a foul-mouthed tirade at his manager as he was substituted in the second half of Newcastle's 1-1 draw with Charlton.

Bellamy, who has been forced to play most of his football in midfield following Souness' arrival at St James' Park, showcased his footballing abilities before the break as his clinical header fired the Magpies in front.

But his tinderbox temperament exploded again as he was replaced by Shola Ameobi in the 66th minute, hinting at an unhappiness over the way he has been treated in the last month.

Souness is willing to cut Bellamy some slack, insisting that an inflated ego goes hand in hand with being a top-class star.

But the Newcastle manager will be discussing exactly what the striker said as he left the field yesterday.

"I'll look at that and I'll ask him if it was directed at me," said Souness, who stretched his unbeaten run as Newcastle boss to seven games in South London. "I'll let you know what happens.

"I didn't see it, but I can understand players not being happy about coming off. I've never experienced someone coming off and saying 'Thanks very much boss for substituting me'.

"I can understand the disappointment - if I'd have been substituted, I wouldn't have been happy either."

Nevertheless, Souness still maintained he was right to replace a player who had been United's leading attacking light in the opening hour.

"Common sense will tell you that he's played two games in a week for Wales and lost them both so, psychologically he's not going to be in great condition, and physically he's not going to be at his very best.

"That's the price you pay for being at a big football club - you've got a big squad to choose from. Getting that right is part of the pressure of my job - if you get too many wrong, you're out of it.

"I've got a squad of 17 or 18 top players and that's the way it has to be.

"It's a balancing act for a manger, but I think that was a common sense substitution."

Bellamy's first-half header looked like paving the way for a Newcastle away win, but Andy O'Brien's 51st-minute own goal ultimately cost the visitors two points.

The Republic of Ireland international was turned inside out by Kevin Lisbie, before diverting Stephen Carr's attempted tackle into his own net.

"We've conceded a sloppy goal," admitted Souness. "But anyone's capable of making a rick.

"I've been here for seven games now and that's the first time something like that has happened. Hopefully it won't happen again for another seven games."

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