Craig Bellamy addresses Celtic manager link as duo in 'straight fight' for job amid Dermot Desmond talks

The Premiership champions are looking to appoint a permanent boss after Martin O'Neill's second interim spell in charge came to an end at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.

The 74-year-old led Celtic to a remarkable league and Scottish Cup double after twice stepping out of retirement to steady the ship following the resignation of Brendan Rodgers in October and the sacking of Wilfried Nancy in January.

That success has prompted the Celtic board to consider O'Neill as one of their key frontrunners for the job next season, should he decide he is up for the challenge.

And according to the Scottish Sun, former Celtic striker Robbie Keane is in a ‘straight fight’ with O’Neill for the job with talks said to be taking place between the Republic of Ireland hero and principal shareholder Dermot Desmond on Monday.

Keane, who spent six months on loan at Parkhead in 2010, quit his post at Ferencvaros last month after leading the Hungarian side to league and cup success during his 16-month spell in charge.

Bellamy has also been linked with the Celtic and Burnley jobs - and revealed there have been offers for his services - but insisted he is fully focused on leading Wales into Euro 2028 after falling at the play-off hurdle for this summer’s World Cup.

“I’m born in Cardiff, born in Wales, it’s always been most important to me and I’ve looked at it that way,” Bellamy said ahead of Wales being back in action for the first time since suffering World Cup heartbreak in March with Tuesday’s home friendly against Ghana.

“So to be national team manager and, I’m sure plenty of Welsh people and ex-players would give anything to be in this position, and the ones who have been in this position would want to be here again.

“It’s an amazing time and I don’t want to wish that away. And then to have the opportunity of a home nations tournament and going to the Principality Stadium (to play). I can only imagine what the streets (in Cardiff) would be like leading into it.”

It is understood that there have been tentative approaches from clubs surrounding Bellamy’s future, if not actually direct contact to the Football Association of Wales.

Bellamy admitted there had been external interest, responding to a question that his “head had not been turned” because “what he has with Wales”.

He said: “I’ve been offered that elsewhere as well, but I have this here already. I’m here and that’s what’s been important to me.

“Wales gave me this opportunity and one or two might not have because I haven’t managed before. The word temperament gets used a lot. What’s he going to be like? Is he going to explode? I understand a lot of it.

“But Wales have given me this opportunity and I’m really grateful for that. I’m fully focused on the next two years and being Welsh manager is unique, full stop.

“Look, I miss not being able to do this every single day, of course, but you’re part of a few when you’re Welsh manager. No matter what club I’ve been at, my country is the most important thing.”