Dalglish backs Bellamy to succeed

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. He got into numerous scrapes on and off the field and in his first spell at Liverpool and 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 and said: "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."

"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 has impressed me.

"He's got pace, quality, he loves this club - which is very important - and he'll be a fantastic asset for us."

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."