Celtic face competition from Burnley if they wish to appoint a former player as manager to succeed Martin O'Neill, according to talkSPORT's Alex Crook.
Celtic eyeing next manager ahead of summer rebuild
Celtic's summer managerial search has been generating names for months.
Ferencvaros manager Robbie Keane
Robbie Keane has emerged as the leading candidate, according to a recent report from The Guardian, with the 45-year-old having impressed at Ferencvaros where he won a Hungarian title and guided the club through the Europa League.
Roberto Martinez and Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou are also reported frontrunners, though there are some concerns that the step from Motherwell to Parkhead is simply too large for Askou to manage at this stage.
Kjetil Knutsen of Bodo/Glimt has his admirers at Celtic too — former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew put him in his personal three-man shortlist alongside Askou, having spoken to Joe Ledley about the candidates and come away enthused.
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He's popular within the squad.
Graham Potter, now managing Sweden, was also mentioned as a surprise candidate back in February.
It is a fluid picture, and one name on that shortlist has just had his circumstances dramatically changed.
Craig Bellamy's Wales were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup play-offs on Thursday night, losing to Bosnia on penalties in a heartbreaking semi-final in Cardiff.
It was a bitter blow for the 46-year-old, who had invested enormous personal capital in the dream of managing his country at a major tournament.
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In the immediate aftermath, an emotional Bellamy spoke of watching the sunrise the following morning and returning with renewed determination — language that strongly implied he sees his Wales future as unfinished business, particularly with Euro 2028 on home soil, Cardiff hosting six games including a quarter-final.
However, Celtic have been tracking Bellamy since October, when they showed interest in the wake of Brendan Rodgers' departure.
The Welshman's connection to the club runs deep from his playing days — he scored seven goals in 12 appearances during a loan spell in the 2005/06 season that the Celtic support still remember fondly.
His coaching credentials are also strong: Vincent Kompany's trusted No.2 at both Anderlecht and Burnley, he stayed at Turf Moor as interim when Kompany departed for Bayern Munich, turning down the chance to remain under Scott Parker before answering his country's call.
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His first permanent managerial role has brought genuine progress, restoring Wales to Nations League A and building a coherent, high-intensity identity that has drawn widespread admiration.
Aaron Ramsey has called his work with the national team "exceptional", leaving little wonder why Celtic consider him an option.
Celtic face Burnley competition to appoint Craig Bellamy
The problem for Celtic is that they are not alone in their interest.
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talkSPORT insider Alex Crook has revealed that whispers have been circulating for months linking Bellamy to Burnley, should the Championship club decide to make a change in the dugout.
"I've been hearing whispers for a few months now that if Wales didn't qualify for this World Cup then potentially Bellamy would come into the conversation for Burnley, should they decide to make a change of manager," Crook began.
The connection to Turf Moor is obvious — Burnley wanted to hold on to Bellamy when Parker was appointed and the ties to the club remain genuine.
Crook also raised the central question hanging over any potential move away from international football.
"Has he taken Wales as far as he can?" he continued.
"Because there aren't any Gareth Bale-style superstars around the corner, are there?"
It is a fair challenge.
Bellamy is contracted with Wales through to the end of Euro 2028 qualifying, meaning any club move would require him to walk away from a tournament he clearly covets.
Whether Celtic or Burnley can convince him that the time is right to make that call remains to be seen.