Bellamy: Cardiff cannot be overawed in the Premier League

The striker, who has extensive top flight experience, has warned his team-mates of the ups and downs that will lie ahead but outlined the need for a positive team spirit

Craig Bellamy has warned his Cardiff City team-mates to be prepared for the harsh "reality" of the Premier League this season.

The Welsh club stormed to the Championship title last term, finishing eight points above second-placed Hull City.

Despite that success, Malky Mackay's side will be considered as one of the leading contenders for an immediate return to the second tier of English football but Bellamy has insisted that the club are capable of avoiding relegation.

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2/5	Cardiff are 2/5 with bet365 to avoid relegation

"Your promotion teams are always among the favourites to go down - that is the reality," Bellamy is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"There will be times this season where we'll probably see the reality as well. At the same time it is a great league, but there are teams you can beat.

"You can't be overawed by everyone; I've been at the top end as well and lost against teams who are fighting relegation.

"There are a lot of points you can pick up where you sometimes might not think, on paper, that you've got a chance, but those are games you can get points from as well."

Cardiff's first top-tier campaign since 1961-62 will begin on August 17 with a trip to West Ham.