Sky Sports reporter Geraint Hughes has revealed that Craig Bellamy is fully committed to managing Wales ahead of the co-hosted Euro 2028 tournament.
Hughes told Sky Sports News that he had recently held private conversations with Bellamy and came away convinced the 46-year-old has no intention of leaving his international role.
Bellamy has been repeatedly linked with the Celtic manager’s position, first in November of last year and again more recently as the Parkhead job remains unsettled.
The former striker was previously considered a candidate to replace Brendan Rodgers at Celtic, but the club ultimately appointed Wilfried Nancy to the role.
Interim boss Martin O’Neill has confirmed he intends to sit down with majority investor Dermot Desmond about taking the job on a full-time basis again after leading Celtic to a league and cup double.
With reports of that meeting being delayed, Bellamy and fellow former Celtic loanee Robbie Keane have continued to be mentioned in connection with the permanent position.
Bellamy led Wales to the World Cup play-offs, where they were eliminated in the semi-finals by Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties, a result that has left him keen to prove himself further with the national side.
Hughes said on Sky Sports News: “I had a really good catch up with him very recently. He’s been very aware about the interest in him from club management. He sees that very much in his future but not in his immediate future.”
The reporter added that Bellamy’s feelings on the matter are clear and unwavering, with the Wales manager wanting to oversee the national side’s participation in the 2028 European Championships.
Hughes continued: “He is 100 per cent staying with Wales. When Scott Parker lost his job at Burnley he was immediately the frontrunner for that job. He’s been linked with Celtic, first in November and again now. But Bellamy wants to stay with Wales. He doesn’t see the job he is doing as complete. He is absolutely gutted that they are not at the World Cup.”
The comments suggest that Celtic will need to look elsewhere if O’Neill’s talks with Desmond do not result in the interim manager returning on a permanent basis.
About the Author
