It looks like Celtic have an interest in a third manager alongside Robbie Keane and Martin O'Neill.
Over the last few weeks, the only two managers whose names have done the rounds of the Celtic rumour mill are Martin O'Neill and Robbie Keane. So, it is natural to assume that it has become a two-horse race with one of them set to be appointed eventually.
Talks have already taken place with Keane. It is unclear whether that is the case with O'Neill. If they have not, they are certainly scheduled at some point in the very near future.
Celtic fans will be hoping that the situation is sorted as soon as possible, potentially before the World Cup starts, so that the club can start preparing for pre-season and also look at transfer targets with the new manager.
While both Keane and O'Neill remain firmly in the race, it looks like a third name has now been added to the mix.
It is not a new one though. In fact, one could argue that it has always remained in the background. We are talking about none other than Craig Bellamy.
According to BBC Sport, Stephen McGowan said on their Scottish football podcast:
"I wouldn't entirely rule him out yet, even though he appeared to do it himself on Monday.
"He said in the press conference before they played against Ghana that he was committed to his job. I think that falls into the category of what else could he say? He was at a Wales press conference talking to a lot of Welsh journalists, but I think Celtic want to speak to him.
"I think he would be interested in having a conversation. Whether that goes anywhere, I don't know."
Just like Keane, Bellamy also had a short spell on loan at Celtic. Since retiring from the game, he has stepped into management and has done well enough to catch the eye of the Hoops.
Bellamy has been the Wales national team manager since mid-2024. Now, his recent comments do seem to suggest that he wants to continue in that job. But things can change quickly in football.
If Celtic do end up speaking to him, there is a possibility he could change his mind. That being said, is he the right choice for the club?
Once again, similar to Keane, he does not have a lot of experience in management. The pressure of managing is different at Celtic Park, as Wilfried Nancy found out not too long ago.
Obviously, Bellamy will know about the pressure that comes with being at big clubs. He had two stints at Liverpool, played for Manchester City and also had a short loan spell at Celtic, as we mentioned already.
So, that would have given him a taste for it. But the situation is even tougher when you are the manager and almost always, the fingers point at you when things are not going right.
That is why appointing O'Neill would be the safer choice, even though he is 74 years of age. There would be an element of risk involved with going for names like Bellamy and Keane, who have not proven themselves as managers at the highest level.
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