Bellamy backs Allen to shine at Anfield

Craig Bellamy says he helped persuade fellow Wales international Joe Allen to join Liverpool and is convinced he will be a success.

The 22-year-old Allen followed manager Brendan Rodgers to Anfield from Swansea, sealing his move after a successful debut English Premier League season was capped by representing Team GB at the Olympics.

Bellamy, who joined him with Team GB at the London Games, told the Anfield club’s official website: “I spent the last three weeks hounding Joe Allen to go to Liverpool.

“They have got an immense player. Joe, Brendan and Liverpool will all be great winners out of this. It has been a pleasure to spend the last few weeks with him.”

Midfielder Allen has previously spoken of his enjoyment at playing under Rodgers, while he will also reduce the side’s reliance on Lucas Leiva, who was a major absence after he sustained a cruciate knee ligament injury mid-way through last season.

Bellamy, 33, agreed a two-year deal with home-town club Cardiff on Friday, after previously spending the 2010/11 season on loan at the Welsh side from Manchester City.

“The hardest thing for me was leaving Liverpool,” he said.

“I am a Liverpool fan. I’m also a huge fan of Brendan and I think Liverpool will do great under him.

“But even that couldn’t tempt me. It just wasn’t going to happen for me.

“The supporters at Liverpool have been immense and the way they have been with me about this has been amazing. But my mind was made up. I am doing it for the right reasons.”