Bellamy - looking forward to Cardiff returnCardiff-born Craig Bellamy is primed for his first appearance at the Millennium Stadium for a club side.
Not reaching a major final meant the striker did not play in the Welsh capital's magnificent 74,000-capacity 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 this season.
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.
"I've been there plenty of times for my country, at either the Millennium Stadium or Ninian Park - where I made my full debut against Jamaica back in '98 - but never for a club side.
"To go to play in Cardiff as a Liverpool player is going to be extra special for me."
Bellamy is expected to join up with the Wales squad, at their Cardiff hotel, 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 first-leg win over Maccabi Haifa on Wednesday.
He said: "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."
Unfortunately for Bellamy, a future trip to his home city will be more problematic - but it seems it will not prevent him playing for his country in a vital Euro 2008 qualifier against Cyprus on October 11.
The striker will stand trial that week on a common assault charge - he denies the offence - and the Cyprus match will be on the evening of his second day in court.
An attempt to have the trial date moved was rejected but the Football Association of Wales will still pick him for the match and the home game with Slovakia the previous Saturday.
An FAW spokesman said: "Craig would still be picked for the squad because the match is part of a double-header. If Craig were unable to train it would make playing difficult, but not impossible."
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