Skrtel hails Bellamy influence

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has hailed Craig Bellamy following the striker’s brace against Newcastle United.

Bellamy lined up against his former club on Friday and put two past goalkeeper Tim Krul as Kenny Dalglish’s men ran out 3-1 winners in Liverpool’s last game of 2011.

The double bagged by Bellamy brought his tally to 151 goals in English football, and Skrtel insists the Welshman is invaluable to Dalglish’s side.

“Craig put in a really good performance and we were delighted for him to get two goals against his old club. He showed again what a great footballer he is,” Skrtel told the club’s official website.

“Everybody knows how much quality he has and he shows that in every single game he plays. He’s a great player and we are delighted to have him on our side.”

“It was a very important win for us, especially after not winning the previous two games, so we got the three points and we are really happy with that.”

Skrtel also had words of praise for skipper Steven Gerrard, who has just returned from an ankle injury.

The England international came on as a substitute and scored Liverpool’s third goal by sliding the ball through Krul’s legs.

“Stevie is special. He has been out for a while but he scored and showed how very important a player he is for Liverpool,” Skrtel said.

“He has given everyone a lot of confidence. We have a lot of games to play, just in January alone, and his return is a big boost to us. We are all happy to see him back.”