Gerrard buoyed by Bellamy return

Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard has welcomed the signing of former team-mate Craig Bellamy, adding he never wanted the Welshman to leave Anfield.

Bellamy returned to Liverpool in the final moments of last week’s transfer window, and Gerrard has backed the forward to shine under manager Kenny Dalglish.

Gerrard told the club’s official website: “I’m delighted that Craig is back – I didn’t want him to leave in the first place.”

“That pace and the fiery character he’s got will help us in our push for success this season.”

“When he was here before he was popular and one of the hardest working in training. He was always in the gym getting himself in good shape.”

“What people need to realise is that Craig is a top professional. He works really hard day in, day out.”

“He’s very knowledgeable about the game and I know even though he’s slightly older than me he will still want to learn and do well here.”

“I’m sure he will be desperate to play for Kenny. He will have watched Liverpool from the outside like me in recent months and seen a lot of positive things. He will be excited to come back and we’re glad to have him back.”

Bellamy showed Liverpool fans the reason why manager Dalglish signed him with an impressive display in Wales’ Euro 2012 qualifying win over Montenegro on Friday.