Wales

Bellamy joined his home club on a season-long loan from Premier League big spenders Manchester City after he was pushed out of Roberto Mancini’s plans for the season.

The 31-year-old striker hinted that he would not be in the Italian manager’s 25-man squad for the Premier League campaign and therefore decided that he would take a step down to the Championship.

Bellamy will take the captain’s armband from Mark Hudson who will remain as club captain for the rest of the season.

Bluebirds boss Dave Jones will be looking to use the experience of his new signing as Cardiff (9/1 to win the Championship) look to gain promotion this season.

He said: “Huds is still club captain and Craig will be team captain, it’ll be no different to any other football club, you normally have two and it was an easy decision that Mark made.

“We’ve been fortunate to acquire a top player from the Premiership. Last time I looked at him he still had one nose, two eyes and two ears so he’s no different to anybody else in the camp,” he added.

The loan deal which brought Bellamy to Cardiff has angered a number of clubs including SPL side Motherwell who claim they are owed money by the Welsh side.

Cardiff did fear that the Football League would not allow the striker to play until the club had explained how they could afford his services after their well publicised financial problems.

However, the former Newcastle United and Liverpool player has been given permission to play as Cardiff take on Doncaster this weekend.

Jones believes Bellamy will fit straight into the side as he takes on his captain’s role.

He said: “He knows the boys. He’s been around with the Welsh squad and he’s been training with us in the past many times when he’s been given permission.

“He knows his way around and that makes life a little bit easier.

“It’s not just all about Craig. We’ve got a lot of other players here and we are a team, we are a close-knit team and he will add to that,” he added.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.