Craig Bellamy’s brief spell at Celtic during his playing career could aid him in securing the club’s managerial role in the summer.
That is according to ex-Aberdeen, Aston Villa, and Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who claims that Bellamy will be a contender for the Celtic position when Martin O’Neill steps down at the end of the season.
O’Neill is overseeing Celtic until the conclusion of the season, with the Glasgow club presently six points adrift of leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership table.
Bellamy was linked with the Celtic role after Brendan Rodgers resigned in October, and the 46-year-old could still guide Wales to the World Cup this summer.
Craig Bellamy has proven himself for Celtic job
Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had extensive tenures as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Bellamy has impressed in his capacity as Wales boss.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks Bellamy is a “good option” for Celtic in their managerial pursuit.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I’d forgotten that Craig had actually played at Celtic. I think he was on loan for a very short period, but that helps, certainly.
He has approached the Wales job very well. He’s proven to be able and good strategy as well, but still there is something about Craig’s personality and Glasgow that I think could be quite fiery. I think Martin’s going to have a big say in who is going to be the next manager as well, and quite rightly at last. Hopefully they listen to Martin a bit more this time.
“Craig will certainly be on the shortlist. Whether he wants to leave Wales, we’ll see what happens in the play-offs etc for Wales. Look, he’s a good option. He should certainly be on the shortlist. He’s proven that he can be.
“And as I say, that Celtic background, I think he played about 12 times. Then still, that counts and it helps. But he’s proven that he’s grown and matured. So look, he’s definitely one that should be on the shortlist.”
Celtic face competition in striker pursuit
Celtic could make a late move for Kasper Hogh in the remaining days of the January transfer window, with O’Neill still seeking to strengthen his attacking options.
Hogh, who is also on Norwich City’s radar, has scored 42 goals in 82 appearances for Bodo/Glimt since joining the Norwegian club in January 2024.
The 25-year-old has featured in the Champions League this season, and recently netted a double in Bodo/Glimt’s shock 3-1 victory over Man City.