Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy set his sights on shooting down home town club Cardiff after Kenny Dalglish’s side reached their first Wembley final for 16 years on Wednesday night.

After scoring the crucial goal to defeat Manchester City, his former club, in the semi-finals of the League Cup, Bellamy immediately targeted another of his ex-clubs in the final.

Cardiff City stand between Liverpool and their first major silverware for six years following a 3-2 aggregate win over Premier League leaders City.

Bellamy, who was born in the Welsh capital, spent the whole of last season on loan at the Championship club after failing to cement a regular place in Roberto Mancini’s City side.

“Last night (Tuesday) I saw Cardiff go through and I was pleased for them,” said Bellamy, after his eighth goal since returning to Liverpool for a second spell last August on a free transfer, downed City.

“It couldn’t be a better final for me. It’s funny how football can work out at times. To get to the final is big for us.”

Liverpool have not appeared at Wembley since Eric Cantona’s goal won Manchester United the FA Cup in 1996.

But they will start as favourites to win the League Cup final for a record eighth time when they meet Cardiff next month.

“It’s not been the best times for the football club and it’s a fantastic reward for the supporters who have stood by us,” said Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, who had been critical of his players after a 3-1 defeat at struggling Bolton four days earlier.

“We’re certainly pleased with the outcome. The players were magnificent and everything that was lacking on Saturday was there in abundance tonight.”

On the club’s first Wembley visit for 16 years, Dalglish said: “We know where we’re going. I’m sure the driver will remember.”

And on goal hero Bellamy, Dalglish added: “If Manchester City have any other players like that who they do not want to keep, they know where we are.”