NEWCASTLE United striker Craig Bellamy is planning to leave his plush country home to be nearer the club's training ground.

The Welsh international has put his rural retreat in Northumberland on the market to find a home closer to Tyneside.

He hopes it will help to reduce travelling time to the club's Benwell training complex, in Newcastle.

The striker is concerned that the hour-long journey in each direction may not help his injury record, which has dogged his career.

"Sitting in the car for that long is not the greatest, especially when you've got a record like mine with injuries," he said.

"But it's not just that, though. I've got two little sons and it's a big drive for my missus, Claire, to take them to school. When I take them, it's a long way to go, especially before training."

The prospect of moving nearer the city does not appear to concern him.

"Newcastle is a great place to live after all, and it will make a big difference not having to drive all that way."

The Bellamys are believed to be looking for something smaller than their modern mansion, near Morpeth, which includes five bedrooms, several reception rooms, an orangery, cocktail bar and swimming pool.

Set in one-and-a-half acre grounds, featuring attractive gardens, access is via electronically-operated double gates.

It is said to be on the market for an asking price of £1.75m plus, and is believed to be under offer.