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Latest Football News
November 16 2006
Bellamy hoping to take Wales form to Liverpool
Craig Bellamys message to his Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez,
was clear. The Wales striker did not speak about Liverpool or his
club manager after Wales 4-0 demolition of Liechtenstein on Tuesday
night, but his actions spoke louder than any words.
Bellamy has come through a crisis of confidence and fitness and he
took out his frustrations by terrorising the limited visitors to
Wrexhams Racecourse ground. Afterwards he looked relieved, but
insisted: "I only want to talk about Wales, nothing else."
He made two and scored one to add to the goal from his previous
international against Cyprus. After just two goals for Liverpool
this season, and only one in the Premiership, Bellamy displayed all
the selfless running and desire which can benefit Liverpool in
their current state. Now the 27-year-old has given Benitez a
selection dilemma for Saturdays trip to Middlesbrough, on the back
of Sundays3-0 defeat at Arsenal.
Bellamy said: "People will be quick to say this was not against
great opposition, but you can only beat what is in front of you. I
was pleased with my all-round game, Ive always had a good assist
rating and I enjoy that, if someone is in a better position you
have to put them in for the chance. Thats a big part for me, I
always want to do the best for the team and my colleagues, not just
for me."
Bellamy has been frustrated by a calf injury which ruled him out
for five games. His return at Birmingham in the Carling Cup saw him
miss chances, including a penalty. On Sunday at the Emirates
Stadium he was on for just a few minutes before having a goal
disallowed wrongly for offside.
Bellamy aims to use the inspiration of Arsenals Thierry Henry to
drive his own return to top form. He said: "All the best players,
[some] a lot better than me, always work for others. Someone like
Thierry Henry,who I shouldnt even be mentioning because he is a
much higher level, but his assists and scoring is an example; the
way forward for me."
Bellamy believes the 90-minute run-out against Liechtenstein will
have helped his mental and physical recovery. "For my own sharpness
I needed that 90 minutes under my belt because I had been out
injured at Liverpool," he said.
"It was a nice feeling, a really good work-out on a heavy pitch.
That can sap your energy and you have to put a lot more into it. It
was good for me. I am just trying to get over the injury and the
lay-off. My calves are aching but it was good to feel like that
because I know I have put a lot into the game and got something out
of it. It is important for me to score, but I would have been happy
with 4-0 and my contribution. I felt I was a threat, and always on
the edge of creating something. The goal capped it off but I would
have been happy with just the result. When they wont go for you all
you must do is keep believing there will be other chances. You keep
plugging away and I always believe there will be more chances for
me."
