CRAIG BELLAMY insists he is sacrificing himself to ensure Newcastle skipper Alan Shearer receives the service he deserves.

Shearer twice handed his side the lead in Tuesday's 2-2 Champions League draw with Inter Milan at the San Siro - and his first goal was set up by Bellamy.

The fiery Welsh international, making his return to European action after his second three-match ban this season, was booked for diving in the penalty area on a tempestuous night.

Bellamy and Shearer clashed with Inter defenders Marco Materazzi and Fabio Cannavaro to their cost when the Italians won 4-1 at St James' Park in November.

And, after another highly-charged meeting with Inter, Bellamy declared: "There is no-one better to be beside in a battle like that than Alan Shearer.

"He works hard and is a terrific player, and a terrific finisher. You can't fault him.

"It annoys me because I don't get so many goals because I have to get the ball into the box.

"But I sacrifice my game non-stop for a player like him. It was only a matter of time before he got the goals he deserves in the Champions League.''

Bellamy maintains he has learned his lesson from past indiscretions. "It was really tough out there,'' he said. "There are not many better defenders than Ivan Cordoba and Cannavaro. I really knew I was in a game.

"It is more experience for me. I have learned so much from this match and I know exactly what is needed next time.

"Off the ball it was tough, too. English players are always very honest. I am a big fan of Italian football, I have watched it for years, and they don't let you get past them. That is part of the game. They will take a booking or risk anything to stop you. Maybe we are all too honest in the Premiership.

"It adds a bit of spice, but it drags down the reputation and standing of their game. Their gameplan is based on discipline in defence, but they also know how to play the other way. It was a hard night but I thought we deserved to win.''

Newcastle must beat group winners Barcelona at St James' next Wednesday, and hope bottom club Bayer Leverkusen deny Inter victory in Germany, to progress to the last eight.

Bellamy added: "At this stage we are disappointed to just get the draw. We are hoping Bayer do us a favour, but we have to beat Barcelona. We will be Germany fans for the night, too.

"We will give it our best shot and hope and pray results go our way.

"But it shows how far this club has come that we will be disappointed if we don't reach the quarter-finals this season.

"I feel proud about what we've done in Europe. I am especially proud to be playing for a club with fans like ours. They were unbelievable in the San Siro. It shows how important it is to get back into the Champions League. We are a better team this year than last, and we will be better again next season. We have to be visiting places like this again."

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