Dreaming of a final chance

May 21 2007 by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

CRAIG BELLAMY has already inspired one memorable European anecdote on the road to Athens, but he’s hoping to bring the house down with his next, potentially final act in a Liverpool shirt.

The story of Bellamy, John Arne Riise and a golf club was turned from a potential embarrassment into comic interlude when it preceded Liverpool’s victory over Barcelona.

Should Liverpool go on to lift the European Cup, the Welshman may demand a chapter of his own following his contribution in Portugal, the Nou Camp and, hopefully, the Olympic Stadium.

“It may sound strange, but in terms of bringing everyone together, it was the best laugh the lads had all season,” Bellamy reflected at the time of his notorious dust-up, arguing adversity often leads to unity.

It will take a stretch of imagination to argue the mid-season fracas was a defining moment of the Euro campaign, but it adds to the reputation of a player more colourful than one of Rick Parry’s ties.

Bellamy heads into the Olympic Stadium firmly in the group of Liverpool players who are probably playing their last game for the club.

Aston Villa, Blackburn and West Ham are thought to be preparing £10m bids, but that won’t stop Bellamy giving his all in a red shirt as he makes the most of what he describes as the most important night of his career.

"I am not daft. I realise I won’t get a bigger night in my career than this,” said Bellamy.

“There is no guarantee I will be involved, but I aim to be in the squad, grasp the opportunity and relish being in such a final. It is something I have been working for all my life.

“All the rehabs I have been through after the string of injuries I have had will be worthwhile if I am involved in this.

"This is the moment for me. If it happens then everything I have done, all the rubbish I have had to go through, all becomes worthwhile.

"This has always been my goal, my aim to play in the biggest competition in the world. Apart from the World Cup final, which I know I am never going to play in, this is the biggest event of my life.

"I am just trying to make sure I cement a place at least on the bench. I don't want to be watching it from the stands because that would hurt. I just want to be involved, and hopefully lifting the trophy up.