BELLAMY: FULLY MOTIVATED

The elder statesman of the squad looked on in frustration last week as City were humbled by Hull, but now back in the squad, the talismanic front man is determined to help earn a positive result and gain momentum for the run in.

Speaking ahead of the game, Bellamy said: “Last Saturday was a difficult result and we got what we deserved as we didn’t take our chances in the first half. 

“Hull were worthy winners and it was a very disappointing result. The best thing about football is there’s always an opportunity to bounce back next week and the reaction has been as positive as you’d want it to be.

“We are all now fully focused on the challenge of Tottenham. When Spurs have lost this season it has been after a European game and we’re aware of that fact, but we have to start the game well and defend better as a team. 

“Tottenham are a good side and it’s at White Hart Lane, but we’ve got to go there in a positive frame of mind to get a result. I think we were lacking belief against Hull and when that happens you will get turned over, which proved to be case.”

In his illustrious career, Craig has been an inspirational figure for a number of teams and been part of trophy winning success with Celtic, Liverpool and Cardiff. 

After last season’s experience of excelling at the summit, the striker is relishing the challenge of fighting relegation, saying: “I firmly believe we can stay up and this is a good challenge for us. Last year we were winning most weeks and it was easy to play well as morale was high and everything looked good. 

“When things aren’t going well you find out who your good players are. When the pressure is on you look to the guys who want the ball and are willing to do things.

“What a great achievement it would be to get out of this relegation battle. I’m really motivated to get out of it as people said we would blow our chance to go up last year and it’s the same this year.

“The same people are saying we don’t have enough points and we’re down, but we’re not! I think they’ll be a lot of twists and turns between now and the end of the season but at the end of the day we need to start winning to pull another group of teams closer towards us.”

Aged 34, Bellamy still feels on the top of his game and is hopeful he can provide a vital contribution in Cardiff’s push for survival.

“I feel sharp and quick and think I have a very good chance of deciding games now, whereas I didn’t feel like that at the start of the season,” he said. 

“I’ve been out for the last three games and it’s been difficult as I was disappointed with the suspension. Who knows where my career goes at the end of the season but if it is to finish, what a nice way to go out by keeping this club in the Premier League.”