KENNY DALGLISH will resist the temptation to become overly-reliant on in-form Craig Bellamy as he promised to keep nursing the Welshman through Liverpool FC's campaign.

Bellamy has enjoying an impressive spell for Liverpool during the past month, scoring four goals in his last eight appearances and providing two assists.

While the 32-year-old has started only nine games since returning to Anfield in the summer, four have come during his recent profitable spell.

And although Liverpool remain struggling for potency in attack, Dalglish will not jeopardise Bellamy’s long-term fitness to provide a short-term fix.

“We have to manage every single player and get them on the pitch in the best possible shape,” said the Anfield manager. “We can’t run people into the ground so we have to try and manage how they get on the pitch and how long they are on the pitch for.

“Some players need greater management than others, but the players themselves have got to look after themselves and Craig is fantastic in preparing for matches.

“I’m sure there’s many others in there exactly the same, but he’s really got a great knowledge of how you prepare.

“He does what best suits him, that’s all you can ask for. It’s an indication on Craig and how he’s managed himself. He’s been like that since he was at Norwich and was only 17.

“At the end of the day the responsibility on who plays is down to ourselves. Their responsibility is to get themselves fit and to prepare as best they possibly can. But they do give you a steer.”

Liverpool are in the middle of a busy January with four games in the next 11 days.

Following Saturday’s Premier League visit to Bolton Wanderers is the Anfield double header against Manchester City and United in the Carling and FA Cup respectively, with a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers to come on Tuesday week.