CRAIG Bellamy is refusing to get too settled into his new midfield role, but the Newcastle striker will continue to put side before self for as long as manager Graeme Souness wants him to.

Bellamy has started just one game up front under Souness, with the United boss preferring to bolster his midfield by playing him on the right flank.

The Wales international will revert to his accustomed attacking role this weekend though, when he aims to shoot down England's World Cup qualifying hopes at Old Trafford.

Saturday's 'Battle of Britain' will give him a chance to remind his manager of his striking capabilities but, with Souness likely to continue his midfield experiment when Newcastle return to Premiership action at Charlton, the 25-year-old will keep a lid on any personal frustration.

"I wouldn't say I want to make the position my own - I don't," said Bellamy, who will win his 25th cap this weekend.

"But the manager knows my best position and I'll get a chance up there sooner rather than later. For now, I'm happy to put the club first and Craig Bellamy second.

"We're going well and we're prepared to make sacrifices. I'm having to sacrifice my natural game and JJ (Jermaine Jenas) is sacrificing his, but it's all about Newcastle United. I can think about Craig Bellamy later."

Bellamy's natural pace makes him a threatening prospect on the right flank but, as well as going forward, he is having to learn the more defensive aspects of the midfielder's art.

"I'm getting used to that right-wing role the more games I play out there," he said. "But it's not just about going forward.

"You have to track back and it's easy to fall asleep when you have defensive duties.

"Defensively, I was pleased with my performance against Birmingham - it was probably the best I've played since moving to the wing."

Playing Bellamy in midfield is part of Souness' attempt to make his side a tougher proposition on their travels.

The ploy seems to be working, with United following up last month's 2-1 win at Southampton with a hard-fought 2-2 draw at St Andrew's.

"We're going the right way," claimed Bellamy. "We weren't playing too badly at the start of the season, but we are heading in the right direction.

"I think the gaffer wants to tighten things up because he probably knows we were a little bit adventurous when we travelled away last season.

"That's why our record last season wasn't the greatest, but we're more resilient now."

* Graeme Souness has returned to former club Blackburn to appoint Roy Tunks as Newcastle's new goalkeeping coach.

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