Davies urges Hughes to buy Bellamy

Simon Davies has welcomed news of Fulham's interest in Craig Bellamy - and has urged his newly-appointed boss Mark Hughes to act quickly.

Hughes, who was announced on Thursday as the man to succeed Roy Hodgson at Craven Cottage, has long been an admirer of the Welshman with the duo having linked up at both Blackburn and Manchester City.

And with Roberto Mancini's squad ever-swelling in numbers, Bellamy could be surplus to requirements ar Eastlands.

Hughes watched on from the director's box at Fratton Park as Marc Wilson's close-range effort was enough to earn Portsmouth a 1-0 win at Fulham on Saturday.

Despite Fulham fielding 10 of those who started in the Europa League final in May, the Cottagers failed to capitalise on several chances.

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

"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 over the managerial reins of 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 August 7.