Celtic manager target breaks silence on rumoured return to Scotland

Former Celtic striker Craig Bellamy has been linked with taking the vacant manager’s position at the club but the Wales boss has now broken his silence on the rumours.

Craig Bellamy has confirmed all his focus is on Wales and their journey to the 2026 World Cup, ruling himself out of the running for the Celtic job. The former striker, who had a brief but successful loan spell in Scotland, is one of many names tipped for the vacant job at Parkhead.

However, the Welshman has committed his future to the national team on a four-year contract and doesn’t see a premature exit from that deal. Speaking ahead of the international break, Bellamy said: “I couldn’t want for anything more than what I have at this present moment and that’s where it lies for me.

“Anything else is not on my radar and it won’t be on my radar. I can understand the links because I played there. I’m coaching so I definitely understand the links but to me I love what I’m doing at this present moment, I have to be honest.

“I’m completely focused on what’s to come. It’s going to be a playoff in March, we know that, and to me that’s all I’m focused on. I know it’s a little bit cliche but it’s the honest truth.”

When asked if his stance on the Celtic job would change if they were willing to wait, Bellamy added: “I have a number of years to run. I did sign a four-year contract.

“Now, I know the game as well. You lot might have enough of me in a short space of time. That’s the reality as well.

“But I feel as long as I’m wanted, and people in Wales feel like I can add, then that is something that motivates me. Then I stay. You always be careful. I try to live day by day. It’s not always wise, but to me it makes sense.

“I try and appreciate what I have. Having this at the moment has been one of the best periods of my life, and hopefully that continues for a lot longer as well.”

Wales are in the middle of a World Cup qualifying campaign and have one eye on the play-offs in March as they prepare for games against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia this month.

FAW chief Noel Mooney has echoed Bellamy’s statement, stating that the national team are planning to keep a hold of him for as long as they can. Mooney said: “Craig’s done a terrific job with Cymru (Wales). He’s built an identity with us and a style of playing that has really got you all excited.

“He’s a year and a bit into the job of a four-year contract, and we’re completely focused on going to the World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico next year. Two massive matches in November that he’s absolutely focused on. Look, when you do well in any job, I think you’ll get linked to other jobs—and Celtic is a massive football club. He (Bellamy) is going to get linked with roles.

“He’s an exciting coach who has really captured the imagination of a lot of people. He will go from strength to strength with Cymru, and I’m sure after us, he will go on to manage the best teams in the world.

“I have no doubt about that. But, for now, we’re completely focused on getting to the World Cup. All of us. We say ‘Together Stronger’ at the FAW, and Craig is right at the heart of that. As I say, six points in November is our goal, onto the play-offs, and then on to the World Cup we go.”