Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy is happy to have a tough cup fixture list to look forward to for the Reds.

 

Kenny Dalglish’s men face Manchester City in a two-legged League Cup semi-final, while in the FA Cup Liverpool will host Manchester United in the fourth round.

 

But while such fixtures might be something to be feared, especially for a club hunting silverware, Bellamy is refusing to be downbeat and instead revealed such clashes and the pressure of winning them, is exactly what he expects to encounter as a Liverpool player.

 

"This is why you play for Liverpool and this is what it brings", the Welsh striker told his club’s official site.

 

"It’s great for the supporters but I’m much happier playing and being involved in it than watching it as a fan because when you play I find it a lot more fun because I can try to do something about the result on the field.

 

"This is part of playing for this great club.

 

"It’s not just playing Man Utd or Man City, it’s when you travel anywhere because we are expected to win and with the crowd we have following us everywhere it makes it that more special."

 

Liverpool face the first of their big clashes on Wednesday, when they visit Manchester City in the League Cup semi-final.

 

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