• Carling Cup

Dalglish pays tribute to Bellamy's impact

Craig Bellamy had an emotional evening © PA Photos

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Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish praised Craig Bellamy after the Wales forward inspired Tuesday's 2-0 Carling Cup quarter-final victory over Chelsea.

Bellamy returned to action little more than 48 hours after being withdrawn from the squad for Sunday's clash with Manchester City following the news about Gary Speed's death.

The 32-year-old was mourning the loss of his friend and mentor and stood with his head bowed during the minute's applause held at Stamford Bridge in remembrance of the Wales manager.

In the second half Bellamy came alive, setting up goals for Maxi Rodriguez and Martin Kelly as Chelsea were swept aside.

"Craig is a fantastic footballer who had a hugely disappointing day on Sunday. He regarded Gary Speed as a mentor,'' said Dalglish. "It was great for the wee man, making the first goal. For the second he took the free-kick. He told Martin to leave it, it was going in!

"I don't know if we took Chelsea apart but we were delighted with the way we played. We've had a good day and we deserved to go through.''

Dalglish took a swipe at competition organisers for the scheduling of matches that forced Liverpool to play two games in three days.

"The way we're progressing is more significant than reaching the semi-final of a cup that's been cheapened by the actions of the people who run it,'' he said. "But that doesn't mean to say we wouldn't love to win it. We've got our reward and we'll look forward to the next game.

"Three teams in the quarter-finals have problems with fixtures. Do us a favour. I'm not clever but I think I could have avoided that. The solution is to get someone a brain.''

The scrutiny of Andre Villas-Boas' position as Chelsea manager will intensify after tonight's exit from the Carling Cup, brought about by their third home defeat in four games.

Villas-Boas admitted Stamford Bridge had become anxious and called for fans to throw their support behind the team in the crucial forthcoming fixtures against Valencia and Manchester City.

"Away from home we've been more solid statistically and as a team. At home we just haven't been good enough,'' he said. "We need to get our fans behind us and get the emotions right. You can feel Stamford Bridge has become anxious.

"Our performance was not good today. Our best period was when it was already 2-0. Liverpool came very strong in the second half and caused us many problems. It's a pity because we had a good chance to progress at home, but Liverpool were superior.''

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