Craig Bellamy has shaken off the 'bad boy' image which marred his early career, claims Manchester City boss Mark Hughes. The Welsh striker has often courted controversy down the years, with spells at Newcastle and Liverpool seeing him never far from the headlines.
At 30-years-old he is arguably enjoying his most productive spell, while his versatility has proven invaluable to Hughes at times this term.
"The perception of Craig for too long has been too negative," Hughes said in the News of the World.
"He'll admit himself that at times he's let himself down.
"What has never been in question was his ability, and because of the focus on City he now has a platform to allow people to understand what a good player he is.
"I've worked with him before at Wales and Blackburn and he was outstanding for me.
"But because of the lack of focus on his efforts there, his performances were not flagged up as they should have been."
