Final the perfect stage to answer critics, says Bellamy

The Welsh international has endured a chequered career and was forced to leave Newcastle in 2005 following arguments with team-mates.

He was also at the centre of controversy after allegedly hitting Liverpool's John Arne Riise with a golf club during a training camp in Portugal in February.

"This is the moment for me. If it happens then everything I have done, all the rubbish I have had to go through, all becomes worthwhile," Bellamy told reporters.

"Then it does not matter what any one has said, or written about me, I will have the biggest trophy of all in my back pocket to always bring out now and again."

The Welsh international says he is desperate to feature in the final as it is likely to be the biggest match of his career.

"I am not daft enough not to realise I will not get a bigger night in my career than this. There is no guarantee I will be involved, but I aim to be in the squad, grasp the opportunity and relish being in such a final," he said.

"It is something I have been working for all my life. This has always been my goal, my aim to play in the biggest competition in the world.

"Apart from the World Cup Final, which I know I am not ever going to play in, this is the biggest event of my life."

Despite only signing for Liverpool from Blackburn for 5.5 million pounds in June, Bellamy has been the subject of transfer rumours all season.

"I'm used to it. No matter where I have been, whatever club, I'm used to it. It was always the same at Newcastle. I have always seemingly been about to be off somewhere else.

"But I always seem to have a contract. My wife is happy about that. I suppose it is because of who I am."