Craig Bellamy set to be appointed new Wales manager

Craig Bellamy is set to be named the new Wales manager.

The 44-year-old has emerged as the Football Association of Wales (FAW's) first choice to replace Rob Page, who was sacked last month.

Bellamy is currently at Burnley, where he had been acting head coach before Scott Parker’s appointment last week.

Parker was keen to work with the Welshman, but it appears the former Wales captain is attracted to managing his country.

BBC Sport Wales understands the final details of a deal are still be agreed with both Bellamy and Burnley.

But an appointment is understood to be close, bringing an end the search to replace Page who was sacked in June after Wales failed to qualify for Euro 2024.

Bellamy has long stated his ambition to manage his country and met with senior FAW figures last week.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, Georgia boss Willy Sagnol and surprise contender Oxford United boss Des Buckingham were all spoken to about the post.

But Bellamy, who narrowly missed out to Ryan Giggs for job in 2018, is said to have impressed during discussions – and will now get the chance to lead the side in qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

His first game as Wales manager will be a Nations League home tie against Turkey on 6 September, followed by a trip to Montenegro on 9 September.

Bellamy scored 19 times for Wales, including the winner against Italy in 2002.

Bellamy made 78 appearances for Wales before retiring from international football in 2013, missing out on the chance to play in a major finals when Wales qualified under Chris Coleman two years later.

He took his first steps in coaching with Cardiff City’s academy before serving as assistant manager to former Manchester City team-mate Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht and then Burnley.

Bellamy stood in when Kompany served a touchline ban last season and stepped up when the Belgian left for Bayern Munich in May.

But with Burnley opting for former Fulham and Bournemouth manager Parker for the permanent role, it opened the door for the FAW.

Bellamy now appears ready to return to Wales having ended his playing career with hometown club Cardiff City, helping them to promotion to the Premier League in 2014.