BLACKBURN striker Craig Bellamy today said I'm here for the long haul' as he outlined his plan to help transform Rovers into a leading Premiership force.

It has been suggested in some quarters that the Welshman is only using his time with Rovers as a stepping stone to something better after it was reported he insisted on a release clause being inserted into his contract when he originally joined the club from Newcastle last summer.

However, speaking in an exclusive interview with the Evening Telegraph, Bellamy has rubbished those suggestions by claiming he intends to stay and help build something special at Rovers under the shrewd guidance of manager Mark Hughes.

Responding to questions about a release clause, Bellamy said: "I don't think I'd be allowed to come here if that was the case.

"The manager we have wouldn't allow that. I couldn't have mentioned that when we were negotiating, even if I'd wanted to, because he's not into that.

"I knew that if I was coming here then I had to give it a real go and make sure I was fully committed to being here, which is what I've tried to do.

"I'm not just here for a season and then I'm going to say thanks a lot'. I want to try and do as well as I can for Blackburn Rovers."

Bellamy admitted he did do some soul searching before deciding to quit Newcastle for Rovers last summer but, six months into his Blackburn career, the 26-year-old has no regrets about linking up with Hughes again, who was his manager with Wales.

"When I first came here, it was difficult," said Bellamy.

"I spoke to a lot of clubs over the summer and there was a lot of things to go through.

"But I knew the people I was going to come here and work with, and I knew this was going to be the right choice.

"I know I've picked up a lot of injuries but this has gone better than really anyone could have expected.

"As a team, we've really improved and, the way we play, I think is ideal for me."