Bellamy: I think I'm better now
Craig Bellamy believes he is a better player both physically and mentally during his second spell at Anfield.
The Welshman's status as a fan-favourite was consolidated this week when supporters acknowledged his recent industrious performances and voted him a consecutive Standard Chartered Player of the Month award.
January has seen Bellamy strike against Oldham, Bolton and Wolves as well as net the crucial goal against Manchester City to book Kenny Dalglish's side a trip to Wembley.
But while Liverpool's No.39 might have hit a rich vein of form in the goalscoring stakes, improvements to his fitness and overall awareness on the pitch is what has pleased him most during his second stint at the club.
"People who have watched me recently, like my father, will say to me, 'You just seem to be getting better.' I believe it's more to do with, not just the experience I have, but that I'm becoming more intelligent on the pitch," Bellamy told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"I always worked hard for the team but I made runs for myself at times as well. Now I understand, defensively, where I have to be and how to organise. I don't get disillusioned if I don't get the ball in certain areas.
"My whole awareness and appreciation for the team has grown which I seem to be benefiting from as a player. So that's probably more noticeable to me than anything else."
The 32-year-old was keen to praise Dalglish and his coaching staff for the way they have helped him remain in good condition over a hectic past few months.
"[My fitness] is down to everyone here at the club. They monitor me really well, they keep a close eye on me and the manager's been great. He's picked me in certain games and given me a rest in certain games.
"So I've gone into January fresh and able to make an impact off the back of basically the manager and the fitness staff and the coaching staff all looking after me."
Injury prevented Bellamy from making an Old Trafford appearance in a Red shirt back in 2006 during his first spell at Anfield under Rafael Benitez.
However, he has turned in a number of spirited performances at United wearing the sky blue of Manchester City and says he is relishing the prospect of a first away Liverpool outing there.
"It doesn't really come much bigger than this, especially at Old Trafford. It is a great place to come and play football, so to represent a club like Liverpool on their ground is a great occasion to be involved in," said Bellamy.
"I've always enjoyed playing there, to be honest. The pitch is big which does help with the style I play but it's just a great occasion.
"When I was last here I missed the game. I think I picked up a calf injury so I didn't get the chance to go to Old Trafford with Liverpool, so hopefully, touch wood, I do get the opportunity.
"Either I start or I'm on the bench but I'll still be there to take in the atmosphere, take in the occasion, because Liverpool versus Manchester United games are special games."