Craig Bellamy declares Celtic next manager stance as Wales boss reveals where his future lies

The 46-year-old Wales head coach has been considered among the favourites to replace Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead amid reports that his name featured high on a list of potential candidates drawn up by the Celtic board.

However, Bellamy, who had a brief spell at Celtic as a player in 2005, insisted that the Celtic job is not one that interests him at this time as he focuses on trying to lead Wales to the World Cup next summer.

"I understand the links because I played there, but I love what I’m doing at this present moment," Bellamy said at a press conference to announce his squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia. "I’m completely focused on what’s to come.

“It's going to be a play-off in March, we know that, and that's all I'm focused on. I couldn't want for anything more than I have. Anything else is not on my radar, and it won't be on my radar. I’m a proud Welshman and this [job] has made it even more. I'm grateful for what I have at this moment,"

Quizzed on whether his stance on the Celtic vacancy could change if the club were prepared to wait for his services, with interim manager Martin O’Neill currently holding the fort, Bellamy insisted that he will remain with Wales for as long as he is wanted.

"I have a number of years to run," he said. "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."