Bellamy backed to help Cardiff evolve

John Hartson feels Craig Bellamy has a “massive” part to play in helping Cardiff City defy those saying the team will struggle next season.

Malky Mackay’s men are preparing for the club’s first-ever campaign in the Premier League after sealing the Championship title back in May.

The gulf in class between the top two tiers in English football means promoted sides have a tendency of finding it difficult to compete.

Hartson, though, believes a player as experienced as Bellamy could make all the difference to Cardiff’s survival chances.

The 33-year-old striker has played the majority of his career in the Premier League, apart from a loan spell at Celtic and his Cardiff spell to date.

Hartson told BBC Sport: “He will be massive for Malky Mackay next season.

“Craig’s got great experience of the Premier League. He’s got real quality.

“Craig’s obviously had a wonderful career at West Ham, (Manchester) City and Liverpool. He’s vastly experienced.

“I’m sure Craig will want to play every week – I know what the boy is like. But I think Malky will have to put the reins on him at times and hold him back slightly.

“He’s the other side of 33 now and you wouldn’t expect him to play every single game, but he’s in great condition and looks after himself.”