Kenny Dalglish praises "fantastic" Craig Bellamy

Kenny Dalglish has praised Craig Bellamy after the striker came back from a tragic weekend to help Liverpool to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.

Bellamy sat out Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City after learning of the death of his former Wales boss and close friend Gary Speed.

After an emotional minute's applause for Speed at the start of the match, Bellamy set up goals from Maxi Rodriguez and Martin Kelly to seal a 2-0 win over Chelsea.

"We know he's a fantastic footballer and he had a hugely disappointing day on Sunday when Speedy, someone he regarded as a mentor, passed away," Dalglish said.

"For someone to come back and play like that speaks volumes for him, but we're delighted with the way we played as a team.

"The way we are progressing is significant, especially in a cup that's been cheapened by the actions of the people who run it."

Liverpool's semi-final opponents will be decided in a draw after Manchester United's quarter-final with Crystal Palace tonight (Wednesday).