MORECAMBE get the chance to see how the other half live on Saturday when the millionaires of Blackburn Rovers roll into Christie Park for a prestigious pre-season friendly.

The Shrimps face Rovers in a game that should capture the imagination, especially as Blackburn are likely to field soccer bad boy new signing Craig Bellamy at some stage, having promised to send of full-strength team.

The controversial striker joined Rovers after being shown the Newcastle door by Graeme Souness and now wants to re-build his career at Ewood Park.

And Saturday could well see Bellamy lining-up alongside that other controversial soccer star Robbie Savage with Souness indicating he is likely to give most of his squad some game time.

And that is a proposition which delights upbeat Morecambe boss Jim Harvey as he prepares for the new season.

"It's our first home pre-season game and I think the fans will be itching for it," Harvey tells the Citizen.

"My boys have had a good pre-season so far and this sort of game is one they can learn from.

"They can see how close they are, or how far away they are for that matter. Blackburn are bringing I strong team as I understand it and that should make it a great day.

"The weather is good and this sort of game does excite."

The prospect of Bellamy playing is also one that Harvey relishes.

"Bellamy has been in the headlines all summer as he always seems to be and it will be nice for my boys to play against him and nice for the fans to see him play in the flesh," adds the manager.

"It is all part of our build up for the start of the season proper - and we will be ready for that game without a doubt."

Bellamy is ready to get going and after signing in at Ewood said: "All I want to do now is prove my temperament is not a problem and get people talking about my football again."

Skipper Jim Bentley suffered a slight strain during training - but Harvey says: "It's nothing to worry about and Jim will be okay."

The Shrimps kicked off their pre-season campaign last night (Tuesday) at Chorley and following Saturday's Blackburn game, Morecambe entertain Tranmere Rovers on Wednesday night.

The full list of pre-season games is: July 16, Blackburn Rovers (home); July 20, Tranmere Rovers (home); July 22, Blackpool (home); July 25, Gretna (home); July 27, Kendal Town (away); August 2, Wigan Athletic (home); August 6, Barrow (away).