Bellamy makes switch to Blackburn

Bellamy consistently clashed with Graeme Souness

Blackburn have completed the signing of Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy on a four-year contract.

The 25-year-old Welsh forward passed a medical and has agreed terms on a transfer thought to be just under £5m.

Bellamy found himself out of favour with Newcastle boss Graeme Souness after the two fell out last season.

Celtic, Everton and Aston Villa were interested, but Bellamy instead chose to link up with his former Wales national coach Hughes.

"I think it is a real notice of intent. We've got a player who I feel is one of the best of his type in Europe," said manager Mark Hughes.

All I want to do now is prove my temperament is not a problem and get people talking about my football again Craig Bellamy

"He's a player that can take us to the next level, which is what I wanted to do. I'm very excited about the coming season."

Bellamy had a successful spell on loan at Celtic during the second half of last season after his bust-up with Souness.

And the 25-year-old has vowed to dispel his bad boy reputation and start afresh at Ewood Park.

Bellamy is a good player and I'm sure Hughes will get the best out of him From KP Have your say on 606

"If someone labels you, it is very hard to shake it off," he said.

"I know about my reputation, it is the first thing people think about.

"I did get myself into little scrapes when I was younger and a bit stupid, but there is only one manager I have worked under who ever spoke a bad word about me.

"All I want to do now is prove my temperament is not a problem and get people talking about my football again."