Steven Gerrard today reacted to the news of Craig Bellamy's arrival at Anfield and insisted: 'He's a great signing for the club.'

The Liverpool skipper admits he is excited by the capture of the Welsh international and can't wait to welcome him into the Melwood dressing room when pre-season gets underway next month.

'When all the Liverpool lads out here in Germany heard the deal had gone through, all of us were really happy.

'With Djibril Cisse suffering that bad injury, everyone can see we're a bit short up front. To bring in a player of Craig's strength and pace, with a good goalscoring record, is great news.

'I was made up when we were first linked with Craig Bellamy, because I've always thought he was a top quality player.

'I've never met him other than during a match, but I've had a few arguments with him on the pitch a few times.

'But that's something I like about him. It doesn't do anyone any harm to have what you might call a bit of a nasty streak, in a good way.