CRAIG Bellamy has launched a spirited defence of team-mate Kieron Dyer and claimed there is a 'witch-hunt' to hound the England midfielder out of St James' Park.

Dyer was back in the Magpies XI on Saturday at Selhurst Park, making his first league start under new boss Graeme Souness - on the right of midfield.

And Bellamy was delighted to see his return labelling him 'the best he's played with' highlighting the impact the England midfielder has on the side.

He said: "A lot of people don't realise this but we haven't lost a match in Kieron Dyer's last 23 starts. So I think that says everything. He is vital for us.

"He's probably the best player I've ever played with. I tell him that anyway - he knows that. He's huge."

After his previous refusal to play on the right for Sir Bobby Robson on the opening day of the season at Middlesbrough, Dyer became public enemy number one on Tyneside - with home fans at St James' Park booing their own player

However, he appeared more than happy to perform a similar role for Souness on Saturday and his performance, especially in the second-half, again underlined how important he can be - a fact not lost on Bellamy.

"I know he makes mistakes and I know there are witch-hunts to get him out," said the Wales international, whose goal on Saturday made it number seven for the season.

"I know all that and I know he's done a lot of that to himself - there's no doubt about it. But Kieron Dyer is a vital vital player for us.

"He's played in an odd position - he isn't a winger. You get him in central midfield - and he will play there - he's awesome. It's like an extra runner with me.

"He makes me a better player playing with him."

Bellamy himself was also a happy man on Saturday with the thigh injury to Alan Shearer ensuring he made a return to his more favoured role up front.

His response was to score one and set up the other for Patrick Kluivert, turning in the sort of performance that will cause headaches for his manager.

"People have seen me play enough to know where my best position is," said Bellamy. "But I can't turn round and say 'look I don't want to play here, I don't want to do this'

"It puts me in a tricky situation. I've just got to be happy - which I am to be honest - to play.

"I know I'm not the same sort of player (out wide). On Saturday I felt great, I felt energetic, I felt I was always making runs. Out wide I feel drained because I'm not the same player.

"But I've got to do what the manager says. It doesn't matter where you are or what line of work you are in, you have to do what your boss says.

"You know what supporters are like - they want to see you perform to your best week in week out not just sometimes. I beat myself up about it."

* Newcastle wil assess injuries to Shearer (thigh), Ronny Johnsen (calf), and Nicky Butt (hamstring) before finalising their squad for the trip to face Sochaux in the UEFA Cup on Thursday.