Not reaching a major final meant the striker did not play in the Welsh capital's arena during spells with Norwich, Coventry, Newcastle and Blackburn.

Bellamy has played in Cardiff for his country on many occasions, and includes the winner he hit against Italy in a European Championship qualifier almost four years ago as one of the highlights of his career.

But to step out there in the red of Liverpool, instead of the red of Wales, is a dream for the 27-year-old.

That dream comes true as Liverpool and Chelsea meet in the Community Shield, the traditional curtain-raiser to the season and perhaps the first pointer to whether the Anfield men can offer a genuine challenge to the Premiership champions.

Bellamy, who supported Liverpool as a schoolboy, said: "I'm a proud Welshman and the day will be an emotional one for me. I'm well aware of the rivalry between the clubs but for me it's great to be playing in Cardiff. To go to play there as a Liverpool player is going to be extra special for me."

Bellamy is expected to join up with the Wales squad after the Chelsea clash to prepare for Tuesday's friendly against Bulgaria in Swansea, in which he will win his 36th cap. But before that, Bellamy aims to help Liverpool put down a marker for the season having already opened his goalscoring account for the club in their Champions League third qualifying round firstleg win over Maccabi Haifa.

"I've grown up with the club I supported winning leagues year in and year out.

Not just titles but doubles and all sorts, and that is where I envisage this club being. Chelsea are the benchmark for the rest of the country, but I do believe we can match them this season. You associate Liverpool with going for the league. It is what this club is all about and that is what we will be starting this season aiming for."

FA COMMUNITY SHIELD CHELSEA v LIVERPOOL Millenium Stadium, 3.00 Live, Sky Sports 1, 2.00