Manchester City manager Mark Hughes believes striker Craig Bellamy is finally winning over his critics after an incident-packed career in which he has usually made the headlines for the wrong reasons.

The 30-year-old has been involved in numerous controversies since his debut for Norwich in 1997 and gained a reputation as a trouble-maker, enhanced by the fact City is his eighth professional club.

However, after moving from West Ham to Eastlands in January for £14million it is the Wales international's form on the pitch, especially this season, which has stood out.

Bellamy has scored four goals in his last four Barclays Premier League matches and was also on target for his national team against Finland at the weekend.

Hughes, who previously worked with the striker during his time as manager of Wales and then Blackburn, insists the wider public are now seeing what he spotted a long time ago in the player.

"The perception of Craig for too long has been too negative," Hughes told the club's official website.

"He'll admit himself that at times he has let himself down.

"What has never been in question was his ability, and because of the focus on City he now has a platform to allow people to understand what a good player he is.

"I've worked with him before at international level and at Blackburn and he was outstanding for me.

"But, because of the lack of focus on his efforts there his performances were not flagged up as they should have been."

Hughes also praised Bellamy's willingness to adapt to new roles within the team.

Competition up front is fierce with summer signings Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz all contesting places with the likes of Robinho and Bellamy.

Hughes has regularly employed the latter wide on the left and believes he is now experienced enough to know he is doing a job for the team.

"He found that more difficult when he was younger because he saw himself as an out-and-out striker," Hughes said.

"But his ability to work in different positions is great for me because I can move him around and he still has an impact.

"You can play him off a big man, just off the front, on either side and he will still have an impact on the game.

"I like him on that left-hand side because he naturally migrates over there even when up front in a pair.

"He likes to attack from over there, so the difference with playing there or up front is not too great.

"He'll tell you he has to track back more, which is probably true, but he can do that for a team as well."