Craig Bellamy wants to fight for first-team place at Manchester City
Published 00:00 20/07/09 By By Lee West
Craig Bellamy remains committed to fighting for his place at Manchester City, despite the summer arrivals of Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Bellamy returned from injury to play 45 minutes of City's 2-0 loss to Orlando Pirates in Polokwane on Saturday, the first game of their three-match tour of South Africa.
Bellamy has been linked with a move away from Eastlands, but the Welsh international has no intention of going anywhere.
"That (the new signings) was the reason I joined the club ... I knew this was going to happen," said Bellamy.
"This is my last chance to have a right good end to my career. If I am fit, I am more than able to fight for my place, and that is what I am concentrating on".
Tevez, Santa Cruz and £12million midfield signing Gareth Barry all played no part as City slumped to an embarrassing defeat.
Boss Mark Hughes started with a second-string side, with Bellamy, Stephen Ireland and Martin Petrov the only first team regulars from last season.
South African international Lucas Thwala converted a firsthalf penalty for Pirates after defender Ben Mee pulled back Frank Olivier.
And after the break, Botswanan winger Phenyo Mongala's speculative crossshot sailed over the head of City's second-choice keeper Stuart Taylor and into the net.
City's best chance fell to Bulgarian striker Valeri Bojinov but he did his prospects for the new season no good at all as he headed Javier Garrido's cross wide from six yards out.
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