Daglish hails 'manager's dream Bellamy' as squad member Craig fights for regular starting berth

By Dominic King for the Daily Mail
Updated: 17:00 EST, 24 October 2011

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Kenny Dalglish has hailed Craig Bellamy as a manager's dream and believes maturity is helping the Liverpool forward cope with the frustration of not being a regular starter.

Though the Wales international has made a handful of substitute appearances since returning to Anfield on transfer deadline day in August, Saturday marked the first time he has started in the Barclays Premier League.

Standing out in the crowd: Craig Bellamy is a more mature player at Liverpool this time

Bellamy, 32, capped an impressive individual performance with Liverpool's goal in the 1-1 draw and his attitude is likely to be rewarded with another start in the night's Carling Cup tie against Stoke, having impressed in the last round win at Brighton.

There would have been a time when Bellamy’s lack of playing time would have put him on a collision course with the manager overlooking him but Dalglish has no concerns on that matter. He says the former Manchester City forward has been a delight to handle.

‘Craig is more mature and better educated now,’ said Dalglish. ‘You have to be fair to everyone but he is happy to be around the place and play his part.

Standing tall: The Welshman has had to get used to playing a bit part

‘He would certainly be much happier if he was playing more but he understands the situation maybe more than when he was younger. He knows everyone respects him here and that is a big thing for him. We give everyone the respect they deserve.’

During his first spell at Anfield, Bellamy became frustrated with the way Rafa Benitez used to rotate him, Dirk Kuyt, Peter Crouch and Robbie Fowler and was sold after just 12 months to West Ham United. Dalglish, though, was desperate to bring him back and is convinced the move will pay off.

‘He has been brilliant,’ said Dalglish. ‘He just loves playing football and wants to play all the time. He will make a contribution for us. He’s fantastic to have around.

‘Craig is a really good professional and doesn’t like losing. He’s not too bad when he has got the ball, either. We don’t have any qualms playing any of our players in any games.

‘It’s great that we have that comfort, belief and confidence in them to be able to do that. You have to be fair to everyone and Craig understands that.

‘The teams we have been putting out in the Carling Cup have been strong and I’m sure the team at Stoke will be the same. We will be fair with everyone.'