The Dirk Effect

Craig Bellamy says Liverpool have Dirk Kuyt to thank for his inspiring attitude in lifting the team through to winning the Carling Cup at Wembley on Sunday afternoon.

The Reds dramatically beat Cardiff City in a penalty shoot-out, despite having conceded a late equaliser in extra time, a sucker punch at the most inconvenient of times.

But it was Kuyt who came off the bench to score an extra time goal that game Liverpool a lead until the drama was raised even higher with a Cardiff equaliser with just seconds of extra time to go.

Bellamy told the club’s official LFC magazine, “It was a fantastic goal and the game needed that. Then he scored a penalty in the shoot-out as well and it shows you the character he has. He gave us a big lift.”

He added about the importance of Kenny Dalglish‘s input on a testing afternoon for the Reds.

“He told us to keep believing and continue with our normal approach,” he said.

“We knew it was going to be difficult. Finals always are. We thought we’d won it then they fought back and were outstanding all the way through. I do feel sorry for them but I’m delighted for us.”

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