West Ham United FC

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Bellamy targets first start

17 Oct 2008 - 12:46:45

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West Ham striker Craig Bellamy is hoping his international exertions with Wales will stand him in good stead for a first Premier League start of the season.

The striker played 80 minutes against Azerbaijan last Saturday before a 90-minute showing against Germany in midweek.

The injury-plagued forward has not played 90 minutes for the Hammers for 12 months, but is hoping to start against Hull City on Sunday.

"For me confidence-wise, this is brilliant," he told the club's official website. "It is incredible for me personally to just come off after 90 minutes and I feel great hopefully ready to play Sunday.

"Maybe I need a bit more sharpness but it will come."

Meanwhile, strike partner Carlton Cole is predicting a tough encounter with the Tigers following their impressive start to life in the Premier League.

"We know they are a good outfit, but we just have to go there confident in trying to break them down and get as much out of the game as possible," he said.

"They have got a good work ethic about them but we know we have to work hard and use our quality and get a good result."