Teeratep makes debut for Belgian club

Joining the club during the winter transfer window this month, the 23-year-old Leesaw did not have to wait long to get his first competitive experience in the yellow and black stripes, being named in the starting line-up for the home fixture against promotion rivals Antwerp.

However, the Thai's involvement in the game was confined to the opening half as coach Herman Helleputte replaced him with Egyptian Samir, who inspired the team to a convincing victory with a brace in the span of eight minutes.

Despite his low-key introduction to the professional level, the former BEC Tero Sasana forward, who was deployed on the right side of the midfield, was philosophical about his position at the club, which is flying high in the second spot in the league.

"I'm delighted to have got a run from the start. It showed the faith of the coach. I'm disappointed I couldn't repay him with a good display. It's my first game in a whole new environment, though - I still need time to adapt to the team.

"I'll look to hold down my place in the first team, especially the role of right-side midfielder. I'll keep working hard in the training," said Leesaw, who also confirmed that he would return home to help Thailand in the Asian Cup qualifier against Iran later this month.

Bellamy set to sign for City

Wales striker Craig Bellamy is set to leave West Ham for big-spenders Manchester City, the London club confirmed yesterday.

The Hammers have accepted City's bid of around £14 million for the 29-year-old, and Bellamy was expected to rapidly complete a medical to clinch the deal. City have already had three separate bids for Bellamy turned down, and it was thought he would have preferred to join Spurs.

But with the Hammers refusing to do business with their city rivals, it appears Bellamy has accepted the lure of cash-rich Manchester.

City boss Mark Hughes knows Bellamy well, both with Wales and at Blackburn, and has never had a problem with the player's fiery temperament.

Manchester City are alos closing in on Hamburg's Dutch international defender Nigel de Jong, whom they are set to land for a fee of between £14 million and £19 million, the German side's coach Martin Jol said.