Craig Bellamy has put pen to paper on a new contract with Newcastle that commits his future to the Premiership side until the end of the 2006/07 season.

The club is on the verge of winning things and I want to be part of it Craig Bellamy

The Wales international, who joined the Magpies from Coventry in June 2001, has scored 20 goals in 57 matches for the club.

He has formed a successful partnership with Alan Shearer and is a key member of Sir Bobby Robson's team.

"I believe the club is on the verge of winning things and I want to be part of it," Bellamy told the club's official website.

"The decision to commit myself to Newcastle was an easy one, we have a talented young squad, an excellent manager and backroom staff and the fans are fantastic.

"For me it is a dream come true, I am playing for one if the biggest clubs in Europe, we're involved in the major competitions and everyone connected with the club is focused on success."

The club postponed talks about a new contract following Bellamy's fifth-minute dismissal against Inter Milan as the Magpies stumbled to a 4-1 defeat in the Champions League in November.

But talks were soon reopened and chairman Freddy Shepherd is happy that Bellamy has signed a new deal.

"We are delighted to have secured the services of Craig for the next four-and-a-half seasons," said Shepherd.

"He is a tremendous talent who has demonstrated his commitment to the long-term success of Newcastle."