Celtic have been warned that Craig Bellamy is ‘a man in demand’ as speculation surrounding the Welshman returning to Parkhead as manager intensifies.
The 46-year-old has been widely acclaimed for the impact he’s made since taking his first steps in management with his national team two years ago.
While Wales’ hopes of reaching the World Cup were dashed when they lost the semi-final of their play-off to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties, they will play in the top tier of the Nations League come the autumn thanks to the revival which Bellamy has overseen.
A loan signing for Celtic under Martin O’Neill in 2005, Bellamy is thought to be one of the names under consideration by the Parkhead board as the veteran Northern Irishman nears the end of his second interim spell in charge this season.
Although he’s under contract with Wales until the end of the Euro 2028 campaign, Stoke City winger Sorba Thomas fully expects clubs such as Celtic to sit up and take notice.
Wales manager Craig Bellamy speaks with Rhys Norrington-Davies in their friendly against Northern Ireland
Bellamy, who had a spell at Celtic, has impressed as Wales manager and caught the eye
‘You can see how different it is and what he’s brought out of the players,’ Thomas said.
‘Not just myself, but a lot of the boys. You are seeing some of the boys playing their best football.
‘It’s amazing to see. I feel my game has elevated since he became involved and it’s helped me at club level as well.
‘I’m not surprised that he is a man in demand. I don’t blame teams trying to nab him off us and we’ve got to try and keep him as long as possible because I feel success is going to come.’
O’Neill has consistently said that he doesn’t expect to be at Celtic next season.
Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou, Scotland boss Steve Clarke, Ferencvaros’ Robbie Keane and Bellamy are among those who’ve been linked with the position.
