Zola sings Bellamy's praises

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By Chris Burton   Last updated: 3rd October 2008

bellamy craig west ham

Bellamy: Positive attitude

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Gianfranco Zola believes Craig Bellamy will be vital to the West Ham cause this season.

The Welsh striker is pushing for a first start under the Hammers' new boss when they welcome Bolton to Upton Park on Sunday, having successfully recovered from groin surgery.

The fiery front-man has a reputation as something of a troublemaker, but Zola has been impressed by his attitude and hopes to utilise Bellamy's passion over the coming months.

"Craig's character is not a problem. I know he has his own character, a strong one, but I'm not asking him to change," the Italian said.

"I just want him to play well on the pitch and get along with the others.

"I'm sure he understands that. He's doing that at the moment and is doing very well.

"If you want a winning team you need players with strong character. As long as they are positive characters, I don't mind them at all."

Attitude

Zola has made an impressive start to life in the Hammers hot-seat, claiming back-to-back victories in his two Premier League games to date.

The six point haul has already made him a firm favourite among West Ham supporters, but the novice boss insists he still has a lot to prove before he can be considered a success.

"I have just played three games - I wouldn't say I have won the supporters over," he said.

"But I'm on the way and I'm looking forward to continuing this for as long as possible.

"So far things are going well and hopefully that will continue. The way the players trained in the first week was unbelievable.

"I told the players after one week that if we can keep this attitude and transfer what we're doing on the training ground onto the pitch, we have a chance of doing well.

"They've done that so I'm not so surprised by what's happened. Nothing happens by chance. If you're training hard then it is no surprise.

"We want to make training enjoyable because you get the best out of yourself if you enjoy what you're doing.

"I'm a manager who's trying to do his job and establish new ideas. Fortunately I'm working with a group that is responding so well.

"The players are enjoying what they're doing and believe it is the right way. They are getting results because of that."