Dalglish backing Bellamy to sparkle

LIVERPOOL manager Kenny Dalglish will focus only on the positives when it comes to new striker Craig Bellamy.

The 32-year-old became the oldest player signed by the Reds boss since his return to the club in January when he joined, also for a second spell, on transfer deadline day.

Age not withstanding, there are a number of issues which surround the Wales international, who is in the twilight of what has been a chequered career.

He became a virtual outcast at Manchester City after falling out with manager Roberto Mancini, spending last season on loan at Cardiff before negotiating a deal to have the final year of his contract paid off in order to rejoin the Reds.

It was not the first time the forward, who gained a reputation for being something of a hothead, has clashed with authority.

He fell out with Graeme Souness at Newcastle, got into numerous scrapes on and off the field and in his first spell at Liverpool, the club he supported as a boy, clashed with team-mate John Arne Riise in an incident involving a golf club.

Bellamy’s departure after just 12 months came following disagreements with then boss Rafael Benitez but Dalglish sees only good things in the player, who accepted a pay cut to return.

“He’s really enthusiastic at being back and made a lot of sacrifices to come back, financially and otherwise, because of what the club means to him,” said the Scot.

“We’re delighted to have people with that attitude here.

“I don’t know why I’ve never signed him before in my managerial career. Maybe I wasn’t working when he was available. He’s always been somebody that impressed me.

“He’s got pace, quality, he loves this club — which is very important — and he’ll be a fantastic asset.”

On Bellamy’s supposed fiery character Dalglish joked: “I don’t think his temperament will be a problem — he’s given up golf!

“You wouldn’t want to take away the personality from any players.

“It is amazing how people focus on the bad side of someone, they never focus on the good side because that doesn’t make a good story.

“They won’t talk about the fantastic goals or saves people do. Fortunately he has come to a club that doesn’t want to do that, we just want to concentrate on the good bits.”

Bellamy is set to be named on the bench for Liverpool’s trip to Stoke, where they have not won in three attempts since the Potters’ return to the top flight.