GARY SPEED has leapt to the defence of errant Newcastle United teammate Craig Bellamy.

Midfielder Speed spoke up for fellow Welsh international Bellamy following the fiery striker's latest disciplinary rap.

Bellamy received a dressing down from manager Sir Bobby Robson after a training ground bust-up with United's first-team coach John Carver.

The incident last week came in the wake of Bellamy's three-match UEFA ban for headbutting Dynamo Kiev's Tiberiu Ghioane.

But Speed insists that, without his spiky attitude, Bellamy would be only half the player who "terrifies'' defenders.

"It is just Craig's desire to do well and the type of person he is,'' said Speed.

"He does upset people because of the way he is and the passion he has for the game, but we know that is what motivates him.

"Arguments happen in training everyday at every club and afterwards there is never any problem. We are all grown men and we have all learned to just get on with it.

"At least it shows he cares. That is the way he trains and prepares for matches. He gives as much on the training ground as he does in the team.

"If he went the other way and played as if his football didn't matter, you would probably take away half the player.

"Look at what he brings to the team. The moment he came back at Liverpool last month, he changed the game completely and reminded us of what we missed when he was injured.

"He has tremendous pace and ability and he terrifies defenders. That's why you put up with him.''

Meanwhile, United's Portuguese midfield prodigy Hugo Viana has insisted he "wouldn't die of shame'' if he had to go on loan to gain more first-team football.

Having paid Sporting Lisbon £8.5m for Viana this summer, there is little likelihood of Robson agreeing to such a move.

Viana, 19, is currently being kept out of the side by the vastly-experienced Speed.

"It is true I am in the shadow of Gary Speed at the moment,'' said Viana.

"I know I just have to work. I have been in the team and been a substitute, and feel I have had some good games.

"My objective is still to gain my place for Newcastle. I am content with my game and I am certainly not disillusioned. My start has been good and I think things are going well.

"I will wait for things to happen, but I would not die of shame if, for example, I was loaned out.''

Viana added: "I have learned a lot very quickly here. To have Bobby Robson as my coach gives me great happiness.

"With me, it is all a learning process and I am evolving as a player.

"But the investment they have made in me says everything. I have the promise of European football and there is so much more to come.

"I have much to give Newcastle.''

* United skipper Alan Shearer is now just one short of 300 career League and Cup goals and has set his sights on reaching his latest milestone against former club Blackburn at Ewood Park a week on Saturday.

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