Craig Bellamy is adamant that he is now a better player in his second spell at Liverpool as he is 'more intelligent on the pitch'.
The Wales international striker has enjoyed a productive spell with the Merseysiders since returning to Anfield from Manchester City last summer.
However, January has been his best month with an FA Cup goal against Oldham followed by Premier League strikes in the games against Bolton and Wolves respectively.
But the icing on the cake was Bellamy's decisive strike in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg against his former club City which booked Kenny Dalglish's men a place in their first Wembley final since the 1996 FA Cup.
And, after being handed the fans' player of the month award, Bellamy is in no doubt that his overall play and awareness has improved dramatically since his previous stint with the Reds.
"People who have watched me recently, like my father, will say to me, 'You just seem to be getting better.' I believe it's more to do with, not just the experience I have, but that I'm becoming more intelligent on the pitch," Bellamy told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"I always worked hard for the team but I made runs for myself at times as well. Now I understand, defensively, where I have to be and how to organise. I don't get disillusioned if I don't get the ball in certain areas.
"My whole awareness and appreciation for the team has grown which I seem to be benefiting from as a player.
"So that's probably more noticeable to me than anything else."