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Craig Bellamy is working increasingly closely with boss Neil Warnock at Cardiff and could be in line to be his long-term successor.

Former Cardiff and Wales international striker Bellamy, 37, was formally named the Bluebirds' player development manager in December.

He is now focused on bringing through young talent from their academy and the club are set to blood several youngsters in the Championship run-in.

Experienced Warnock , 68, has hit it off with Bellamy and is also willing to help the ex-striker fulfil his ultimate management aims.

(Image: Nathan Stirk)

Cardiff were in the Championship relegation zone when Warnock took over in October but have climbed up to 12th.

It saw Warnock last month pen a new contract at the Welsh club until the end of next season.

Mirror Sport understands from club insiders that Warnock, 70 next year, is willing to groom Bellamy to potentially succeed him.

Bellamy, capped 78 times by Wales, said recently: “He’s been fantastic for us within the whole club.

“If I see a player who I think is ready for the first team, he encourages me to nibble away at him and push that individual.”

(Image: Getty) (Image: Sky Sports) (Image: Mirrorpix)

Former Wales captain Bellamy retired in 2014 after 91 appearances over two spells at his hometown team Cardiff, including helping them to promotion to the Premier League in their first spell in the top-flight since the 1960s.

Mirror Sport revealed last September that former Liverpool , West Ham , Manchester City and Newcastle frontman Bellamy, who has a Pro Licence, was taking an academy role at his old club.