Kenny Dalglish today praised the 'brilliant' impact made by Craig Bellamy since his Reds return - and insisted the striker has a big role to play for Liverpool this season.

The 32-year-old marked his first Barclays Premier League start of the campaign with a goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Norwich at Anfield to cap an impressive performance and leave the manager delighted.

"Craig has been brilliant," said Dalglish. "He just loves playing football and wants to play all the time. He will make a contribution for us. He's fantastic to have around.

"Craig is a really good professional and doesn't like losing. He's not too bad when he has got the ball, either.

"He is more mature and better educated now. You have to be fair to everyone but he is happy to be around the place and play his part.

"He would certainly be much happier if he was playing more but he understands the situation maybe more than when he was younger. He knows everyone respects him here and that is a big thing for him. We give everyone the respect they deserve."

Bellamy's Norwich strike

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Bellamy's only other start since rejoining Liverpool came in the 2-1 Carling Cup victory over Brighton last month when he was again on target.

The Welsh international will be hoping to be involved in the competition once again when the Reds take on Stoke City on Wednesday night - and Dalglish has confirmed he will utilise the strength of his squad for the trip to the Britannia Stadium.

"We don't have any qualms playing any of our players in any games," added the boss.

"It's great that we have that comfort, belief and confidence in them to be able to do that.

"You have to be fair to everyone and Craig understands that.

"The teams we have been putting out in the Carling Cup have been strong and I'm sure the team at Stoke will be the same. We will be fair with everyone."

Meanwhile, Dalglish revealed his delight at the work goalkeeper Alexander Doni has been putting in on the Melwood training pitches.

The custodian is yet to make his competitive debut for Liverpool, but produced a fine display in last week's friendly with Rangers.

Dalglish said: "Doni is a lot sharper now than when he came in at the start of the season.

"Great credit to him because he has worked really hard out there with the other 'keepers and John Achterberg."