Hughes told to buy Bellamy

Bellamy: Must-buy

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Fulham midfielder Simon Davies has urged his newly-appointed boss Mark Hughes to buy Craig Bellamy after the Cottagers suffered a 1-0 pre-season defeat against Portsmouth.

Hughes, who was announced on Thursday as the man to succeed Roy Hodgson at Craven Cottage, has long been an admirer of the striker after working with him at Wales, Blackburn and Manchester City.

With Roberto Mancini's City squad increasing in numbers, and top-flight signings continuing to flood into Eastlands, Bellamy could be surplus to requirements for the Italian who will this season aim to build a side capable of securing a UEFA Champions League spot.

Hughes watched on from the directors' box at Fratton Park as Marc Wilson's close-range effort was enough to seal the win for Pompey just after the half hour mark.

Despite Fulham fielding 10 of those who started in the Europa League final in May, the Cottagers failed to capitalise on several chances, which signalled even more reason for Hughes to dip into the transfer kitty and capture Bellamy.

Temperamental

Since Hughes' arrival he has been linked with a move for the temperamental forward who fellow Welshman Davies believes is a must-buy for Fulham.

"Craig has been one of the best players in the Premier League for the last few years. If we could get him he would be a fantastic addition to the team," Davies told The Mail on Sunday.

"The manager will be trying as hard as he can to bring in players like that."

Davies played under Hughes when he guided Wales to the brink of qualification for Euro 2004 and admitted it would be hard for the former Manchester City manager to emulate the achievements of Hodgson, who has taken at Liverpool.

"Coming on the back of two of the most successful seasons the club has ever had will be a difficult job," said the 30-year-old.

"But Mark is very ambitious and I'm sure he will be up for the challenge."

Hughes will be formally unveiled as the new boss on Tuesday before taking charge against Werder Bremen on 7th August.