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Craig Bellamy Insists His Plan is to Stick With Wales all the Way to Euro 2028

Craig Bellamy, Wales manager. Pic. Alamy

Craig Bellamy, Wales manager. Pic. Alamy

Craig Bellamy has pledged his commitment to leading Wales into what he describes as a “massive” Euro 2028 campaign.

The show of faith by the Wales manager comes despite interest from Celtic, which is likely to prove the first of many attempts to tempt him into club football.

Bellamy - who spent time on loan at Celtic in 2005 during his playing days - remains focused on guiding his national team through the upcoming World Cup play-offs in March.

Despite that, Bellamy’s name has been strongly associated with a potential return to Glasgow, where Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney are currently in temporary charge following Brendan Rodgers’ departure.

Earlier this week, Bellamy’s former Wales teammate Joe Ledley claimed his old colleague would be a “perfect fit” for Celtic and suggested he would be “very interested” in taking the job, whether now or later in his career.

Ross Wallace, who played alongside Bellamy at Celtic and later worked with him at Burnley’s academy, added that the 46-year-old Welshman “ticks all the boxes” for the Scottish champions.

READ MORE: Craig Bellamy Sends Message of Support to Aaron Ramsey After Leaving Him Out of Wales Squad

Bellamy, however, appears fully committed to his role with Wales. His current deal runs through to Euro 2028, and the Dragons boss has made it clear that he intends to be in charge when the UK and Ireland co-host the tournament, which officially launches in London on Wednesday.

“It’s massive and it was when I signed here, it was always in the back of my mind,” said Bellamy, speaking about Euro 2028.

“I want this one, I want the World Cup and I am everything for that.

“That one is a motivation. I don’t know if the public have switched on quite yet and it’s a long way ahead. But it’s massive.”

UEFA has confirmed that England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland will all need to qualify for the 2028 tournament despite being host nations. 

READ MORE: Why Craig Bellamy Needs More Balance in His Life if Wales Are to Make World Cup

However, two spots will be reserved in case any of those nations fail to reach the finals.

The Principality Stadium in Cardiff is expected to stage the opening match, with Wales hopeful of beginning their campaign on home soil.

The idea of returning to the 74,500-capacity venue — traditionally the home of Welsh rugby — has divided opinion among supporters. 

The national football team last played there in 2018, and many fans prefer the more intimate atmosphere of Cardiff City Stadium.

Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney has confirmed, however, that Bellamy’s squad will play warm-up fixtures at the Principality Stadium ahead of Euro 2028. The plan, Mooney said, is to ensure familiarity with a ground that will host six matches during the competition and help the team maximise their “home advantage.”

READ MORE: Craig Bellamy Admits Wales Will Need the Scenic Route if They are to Reach the World Cup Finals

Bellamy, meanwhile, insists his only concern is giving his players the best platform to perform.

“What gives us the best opportunity of winning?” he said, when asked about the venue debate.

“I only look at it that way, no matter where it is. If Wrexham does, we go there. I think we look too far into it.

“I like playing anywhere in Wales, but we have to fill it. It has to be a full stadium. No matter where we go, it has to be, because I believe that gives us the opportunity.

“If we’re in the Euros and we know we’re going to be playing at Principality Stadium it makes perfect sense leading into it.

“To have a number of games going into that period so there’s familiarity, players get comfortable. I would see it as common sense.”

READ MORE: Wales Still Sweating on Fitness of Captain Ben Davies For Crunch World Cup Ties

For now, Bellamy’s attention is firmly on this week’s World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia. 

But with the lure of Celtic and others ever-present and Euro 2028 looming on the horizon, the coming months could prove defining for one of Welsh football’s most passionate figures.

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