Kenny Dalglish heaps praise on Craig Bellamy after Liverpool win

Kenny Dalglish was delighted with Craig Bellamy’s performance after the 32-year-old scored the opener and set up Liverpool’s second in their 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday.

Bellamy was on-hand to edge the visitors ahead when he finished from close range after 12 minutes and Martin Skrtel doubled Liverpool’s lead soon after when he headed past Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan from the Welshman’s corner.

“He was excellent and he’s been fantastic since he came in,” said Dalglish. “He’s good in the dressing room, he’s good on the training pitch and he’s good on the pitch.

“He’s no problem whatsoever for us. He’s been excellent and is really good to have around the place. That’s another really good performance from him there.”

The visitors had chances to extend their advantage after the break as Luis Suárez hit the crossbar and then saw his delicate chip bounce off the post.

But despite a frustrating second half, Dalglish was pleased with his side’s overall display as they closed the gap on fourth placed Chelsea to three points.

“I think we got most things right,” he continued. “We had a shut-out, scored two goals, increased our goals and points tally – and increased the number of times hitting the woodwork as well!

“Certainly Luis’s chip was fantastic for the second one, but as we say, we’ll keep trying. The harder you try the luckier you’ll become. Maybe one day it’ll hit the bar and go in.

“We have created chances in all but one game I think. We can only practice what we do in training every day. We don’t practice hitting the bar. We practice the way that we play and if we carry that on into matches, we’ll win more than we’ll lose.

“It’s great credit to the players. They believe in the work that we are carrying out and it’s what they enjoy doing anyway. You can see that when they play the matches. But it doesn’t mean they don’t do that fundamental part which is working hard – and they do that and work other teams hard too.”