'It's a privilege to play for LFC'
Craig Bellamy believes the 2-0 victory over Aston Villa demonstrated the strength in depth Kenny Dalglish has at his disposal - and predicted Liverpool will continue to go from strength to strength in the second half of 2011-12.
The Wales striker put the Reds on their way to a comfortable win at Villa Park when he opened the scoring after just 11 minutes.
Bellamy was involved again soon after, supplying the corner from which Martin Skrtel headed home a second goal for the visitors.
The outcome was just rewards for Liverpool, who dominated the contest throughout.
"The two early goals helped us and put us in a good position," reflected Bellamy." It can always be a tricky scoreline, but I thought we were quite professional and kept the ball.
"We had a couple of opportunities to score on the break in the second half as well, and I thought we were worthy winners."
The inclusion of Bellamy was one of two changes made by Dalglish, who also opted to hand Jonjo Shelvey a start having recalled him from a loan spell at Blackpool earlier this month.
Bellamy added: "We're a good team, there are no doubts about that. We are part of an incredible football club. When you go out onto the field, it's not just 11 players - it's 22/23 players.
"To represent this club is a privilege, but you do have to carry a certain responsibility and style of play.
"Fortunately we do have a lot of Liverpool players here who do deserve to play at this club. Touch wood, we will have a very positive season."
Having tallied 17 shots at goal, the margin of Liverpool's victory could have been significantly greater in the Midlands.
Luis Suarez went closest to extending the advantage, but twice saw efforts thwarted by the woodwork in the second half.
Bellamy, however, remains confident goals will be in plentiful supply between now and the end of the campaign for both the No.7 and the Reds.
He said: "I've not seen a forward quite like him ability wise and for luck as well - he constantly either hits the post or bar!
"He could be on a lot more goals than what he is, but performance wise is enough for us. The way he goes about his business, he is a credit to us."
Bellamy continued: "You just have to create the chances. Fortunately, we do that and have been doing that in a lot of the games. It will turn - with the players we have we will get a lot more goals than what we have so far.
"If we keep working hard like we have done, like we did at Villa, and counter-attack with the players we have, we will get a lot more wins."
Liverpool's clean sheet at Villa Park ensured they retained the title of the Barclays Premier League's meanest defence so far this term.
Bellamy feels such solidarity at the back provides the Reds with a base to win matches.
"We're well drilled," he said. "We work hard in training on keeping our shape, working hard for each other and closing the gap between the lines.
"It's something we do work on, but with players like Luis in attack, we do have an opportunity to win a lot more games than we lose."
