Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy is hoping Sunday's Carling Cup final can help hometown side Cardiff push on as a club, even in defeat.
Welshman applauds Bluebirds' achievements
Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy is hoping Sunday's Carling Cup final can help hometown side Cardiff push on as a club, even in defeat.
The Wales international faces the team he watched as a boy, and who are supported by his father, and the one he fulfilled a lifetime's ambition with by playing for on loan last season.
But despite the strong ties he knows the only outcome acceptable for him is a Liverpool win which secures an eighth League Cup.
Good luck
That is not to say he does not wish the Bluebirds well for the future as he believes they are due some good luck.
Cardiff have been in two Wembley finals in the last four years - once in the FA Cup and the other in the Championship play-off - but have fallen short on both occasions.
Bellamy hopes it will not be third time lucky but has a degree of sympathy for the South Wales club, who skirted close to administration not too long ago.
"It has been an incredible run for them over the years, to reach an FA Cup final and play-off final," said the 32-year-old.
"With the transfer embargoes and the problems they have had financially they are not a Liverpool - it is hard work and I saw last year how hard it can be.
"Things like strappings weren't paid for and when I needed treatment and I had to pay for it myself.
"That is just the resources at a club like Cardiff, it can be a real struggle at times.
"For them to reach this stage I feel is more reward for them because for us at Liverpool we've won this seven times and it is just another opportunity to add to this incredible club's history.
"How many times have we won the European Cup - five times. It is just endless to what we have been able to achieve.
Momentum
"It is great for Cardiff as they have a lot of people who work hard day in day out - which obviously we do at this club.
"So a big part of me hopes this affects Cardiff in the right way and they are able to gain momentum in years to come from this experience.
"But selfishly I hope it is a narrow win for us and I play no part in the winning goal."
