The difference between former club Norwich's performances with and without him spoke volumes - without him, they were much less effective.

However, Bellamy failed to be as big a success as Keane in the Premiership, scoring just six goals in 33 Premiership starts for Coventry City.

As for his confidence, that is perfectly illustrated by his 'the new Juninho claim', but it is based on a brilliant talent - after all, if you are capable of slaloming past defenders, drawing keepers and finishing from any angle, why should you keep quiet about it?

Bellamy's arrival on the Carrow Road scene created a massive impact in what was a difficult and miserable 1997/98 season, but the player suffered injury agony when a terrible challenge by Wolves man Kevin Muscat ruled him out of the game for months.

With Coventry's relegation to the Premiership it was clear that the Sky Blues were eager to off-load the striker from their wage bill. Before long it was Newcastle United who came in buy Bellamy for £6million - a £500,000 loss for Coventry.

Bellamy made his debut in the Magpies 4-0 InterToto Cup Third Round pasting of Belgian side Lokeren before netting his first goal - the winner - in the return leg of the tie.

After a slow start Bellamy became one of the buys of the season, a number of pulsating displays propelling the Magpies into the title race. It was only when the Wales international was injured in February that the club's form dipped.

Newcastle would finish fourth in the table, with Bellamy bagging 14 goals. He would only make one more appearance after February, and the injury would also keep him out of the picture for the opening weeks of the 2002/03 season.