McCoist: Bellamy Could Be New Larsson

Craig Bellamy will replace Henrik Larsson in the hearts of Celtic supporters, according to Rangers legend Ally McCoist. But only if he stays there long enough.

Bellamy is in a rich vein of form scoring eight goals in eleven games since Celtic saved the troubled Welshman from his exile at Newcastle United in January.

Despite talks to the contrary at the beginning of his move, Bellamy even relishes trips to Inverness and Livingston in midweek, while if he was at Newcastle he could have been travelling to such fantastic stadia as the Millennium Stadium and Old Trafford.

Bellamy this week refused to be drawn on his future after his loan is up in Scotland at the end of the season, instead maintaining he wanted to concentrate on winning the double with Celtic first.

McCoist, who was the darling of the blue half of Glasgow for many years believes Bellamy can be the man who finally replaces Celtic talisman Henrik Larsson, who left on a free transfer to Barcelona last season.

“Henrik Larsson was a genius during his time at Celtic and was absolutely idolised by the fans,” said McCoist. “I wouldn’t say Bellamy is comparable as a player because he has different qualities but he is going about things in the right way and making all the right sounds.”

The Celtic board are now under immense pressure from their demanding fans to snap up Bellamy from Newcastle on a permanent deal, with manager Martin O’Neill also wanting the board to raise the money to keep Bellamy at Celtic Park as interest from Premiership clubs intensifies.

Love is mutual between O’Neill, Bellamy and the club’s fans, with the player relishing his role in securing another title for the Celtic faithful, and them enjoying his lively performances and superb goals which have helped them to move back to the top of the league ahead of Old Firm rivals Rangers who entertain the Champions tomorrow in what could be the title decider.

One problem for the Celtic board however, will be Newcastle’s asking price for Bellamy rumoured to be around £5m – a figure which could be matched by Premiership sides in England with money to spend in the summer.

A further problem could also be Bellamy’s wages, with the striker currently on £45,000 a week, although Bellamy has made known that money is not important to him, and the Wales striker could take a pay cut to remain in Scotland if the Celtic board can meet his price tag.

Martin O’Neill believes that Bellamy will go where he will be happy, and he certainly seems to be enjoying his time at Celtic, alongside countryman John Hartson in attack.

“It will be about where he can find happiness, a team that will play to his strengths and a crowd that will idolise him,” said O’Neill.

All of that will be guaranteed at Celtic if Bellamy continues to impress and deliver results to the demanding fans. Celtic also have the chance of playing in the Champions League against some of the best European teams while that will not be as likely should he move to say Blackburn Rovers or Birmingham City.

McCoist added: “When things are going well there is no better place to play your football than at a full Ibrox or Celtic Park.

“It’s a bit of a different story when things aren’t so good but Craig must be loving the adulation at the moment.”

Craig Bellamy is expected to start his second Old Firm derby tomorrow, hoping to make amends for a poor performance on his debut earlier in the year and will be looking to get his name on the score sheet to boost his club’s hopes of securing a fourth title in five years under Martin O’Neill.