Craig Bellamy is desperate to be a major influence on Cardiff's promotion push to the Premier League as the season enters its second half. The striker, on a season-long loan from Manchester City, arrived at his hometown club with knee problems but feels he in now close to full fitness and can play his part in leading the Bluebirds out of the English Championship.

He told Cardiff City Player: "I'm looking forward to the rest of the season now, hopefully I can stay injury free because if I can maintain that form then I feel very confident I'm able to have a big say in us getting promoted."

Bellamy added: "I knew after Christmas there was going to be 24-odd games left and to me that's like a season.

"So the guy I use from Holland, Raymond (Verheijen), the view was that from Christmas onwards this is the target we want to hit - to have a big say in getting promoted this is really where you're going to have your say."