Planet Swans ArchivesThe transfer of Bellamy from Manchester City to Cardiff City in the summer was one of the most unexpected moves of the transfer window but it has proved a shrewd piece of business for Cardiff who are currently two points clear at the top of the Championship.
And Rodgers has admitted of his admiration for the Welsh international as he prepares for his first taste of South Wales derbies on Sunday.
“Cardiff are a strong, experienced squad and they have shown that this season,
“In Craig Bellamy they have got a Champions League player.
“He is a big talent and a player I have always admired from the outside.
“He was a top Premiership player and I felt when I saw him that he could also be a top Champions League player. To have that in the Championship is a massive weapon.
“What great players do, outstanding players, is they make those around them better and he (Bellamy) has certainly done that. He plays the game the right way.
“He is not trying to do everything, he knows his role well and he is a big influence for the group.
“They’ve got experience at this level and a group of players who have been together for quite a while now.
“I watched them at Leeds last week and I thought they were very impressive.
“I thought they looked a very good side with good players.”
