Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy aiming for Champions League qualification and cup success as season enters final stages

Welshman believes the time is right for the Reds to revive their Premier League run and continue on their quest for a possible cup double as injured and suspended players return

9 Feb 2012 18:04:00

By Nathan Lowe

More On :  Liverpool, Craig Bellamy
Craig Bellamy of Liverpool
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Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy thinks his club is poised to finish the season on a high after injuries and suspension dogged the first two-thirds of the Reds' campaign.

Bellamy, who has just won his second ‘Player of the Month’ award from Liverpool, is now aiming for Champions League qualification in the league and some silverware to boot with a fully fit and available squad.

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"It's been a tough month for us but fortunately we've come through it and going into February we're in good shape," the 32-year-old told the club's official website. “We had eight games in the space of three or four weeks and the squad's been tested.

"Reaching the final and getting to Wembley was big for us because going into January we knew the amount of games we had against opposition like Manchester City three times and Manchester United in the FA Cup.

"We've got a chance to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals if we beat Brighton, we're in the final of the League Cup, we're four points off fourth and have a fully fit squad. We have a good chance to up the charge and end the season on a real positive note."

Bellamy, the club's top scorer with nine goals this season, netted four times in January, including the late equaliser against Manchester City to put the Reds through to the League Cup final, but he is more concerned with results than personal stats or accolades.

"I've always had the view that a goal is a bonus for me," he continued. "They don't alter how I go about my game. The aim for me is to try to play as big a part as I can in the game.

"If I'm able to score a goal or create one then that's a bonus. For me it's just about trying to help the team win games - that's more important.

"I've never really been the one that's trying to get personal satisfaction. The aim is to try and win, if goals come then great, but winning games is more important.

"To win this award two months on the run means something to me. Do I think it'll be a third? No, so I'm going to milk this one this month."

Seventh-placed Liverpool travel to Manchester United on Saturday afternoon in the two clubs' first meeting since Luis Suarez returned from suspension after he was found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra.

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