CRAIG BELLAMY has confessed he is "desperate" for a goal as he aims to breathe life into Newcastle United's season against NAC Breda tonight.

Bellamy has not scored in any of his last 12 appearances for Newcastle and Wales, a run that stretches back more than six months.

His goal ratio has been heavily criticised by St James' Park striking legend Malcolm Macdonald, and 24-year-old Bellamy is determined to improve his all-round game.

He admits watching the opening round of Champions League matches last week was "unbearable" following Newcastle's exit to Partizan Belgrade.

But having finally shaken off debilitating knee problems, the £6m forward is confident he and Newcastle can quickly get back on track - with Celtic's progression to last season's UEFA Cup final as an inspiration.

Bellamy said: "I desperately need a goal, there's no doubt about that. I'd be lying if I said otherwise.

"I need to get a little bit sharper and I'm looking to get my season going.

"I've got to improve from the standards I've already set. I'm still young, and I've got to push myself and my body as much as I can.

"I demand that I get better as a player. If I don't do that, I'll become easier to mark and become too predictable for defenders.

"I had a rest over the summer and I was ready to go at the start of pre-season. But I was in a lot of pain in the first game, and I had to see a surgeon.

Bellamy added: "I watched the Champions League games last week and like everyone else at the club it was unbearable.

"It's something we worked so hard to get last season but it's gone now and we've got to try to get back into it next year.

"It was a blow to everyone at Newcastle - players, fans and staff - but the UEFA Cup is a good cup and realistically we've got a much better chance of winning it than the Champions League.

"Celtic went out to Basel in similar circumstances to us. I remember watching that game and they were hit for six.

"They thought it would dent their season, but getting to the UEFA Cup final was a great achievement and a great occasion for their players.

"We can take heart from that and it would be great if we could do what they did."

Sir Bobby Robson wants Newcastle to bring a four-game winless run at St James' Park to an emphatic halt this evening by making the tie safe after the first leg.

He knows Breda - who will be backed by a 3,500-strong travelling army will give them a stiff test, but he said: "This is a good tie for us and we need to win.

"They'll try to restrain us and get us back to Breda with nothing in the match. But we have to go to Holland with a cushion - and not a fluffy one."

Jonathan Woodgate will not start the game as he continues his recovery from a stomach injury