Kenny Dalglish paid tribute to Craig Bellamy for his contribution to Liverpool's 2-0 League Cup quarterfinal triumph at Chelsea just 48 hours after the death of the forward's close friend Gary Speed.

Bellamy withdrew from Liverpool's game against Manchester City two days previously after learning of the passing of the Wales manager - who was found hanged at his home on Sunday - but returned to the lineup for the trip to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

And he overcame his personal grief to produce an outstanding performance, capped by assists for both Liverpool's goals scored by Maxi Rodriguez and Martin Kelly.

"We know he's a fantastic footballer and he had a hugely disappointing day on Sunday, when Speedy, who he regarded as a mentor, passed away," Dalglish said.

"For someone to come back and play like that - for any of the players who played at the weekend - it speaks volumes for him."

Liverpool moved into the last four and remains on course for a first trophy of Dalglish's second spell in charge at the Anfield club.

But while the manager was pleased to have progressed, he repeated his criticisms of the competition after being forced to play such a significant tie so soon after a high-pressure Premier League clash with City.

"The way we're progressing is very significant in any cup, especially a cup that's been cheapened by the actions of the people who run it," he said. "But we just brush ourselves down. We've got our reward and look forward to the next game.

"I know we're in the semifinal. At least we've got a home game now. Three teams in the quarterfinals have got problems with fixtures and that's totally irresponsible.

"Man City (who beat Arsenal on Tuesday) and us played on Sunday, and Crystal Palace (due to play Manchester United on Wednesday) have got a game on Friday."

The defeat was Chelsea's third in its past four home games and threw fresh scrutiny on the position of manager Andre Villas-Boas.

Agence France-Presse