Dean Saunders: 'Tougher tests lie ahead for Bellamy and Wales'

Former Wales striker Dean Saunders has heaped praise on the country's new manager Craig Bellamy but says the Welshman will face tougher tasks ahead of World Cup qualifying next year.

Bellamy replaced former boss Rob Page back in July and is yet to taste defeat in the dugout after six matches. 

His latest triumph came in a 4-1 home victory against Iceland on Tuesday evening - a result which cemented their place as winners of their Nations League group and earned them promotion to the competition's top tier. 

The win also strengthened their prospect of a place in the 2026 World Cup qualifying play-offs, should they fail to secure automatic qualification through their group. 

Saunders: 'Emering Welsh talent leaves reason for optimism'

Former Manchester City and Liverpool forward Bellamy was previously employed as Vincent Kompany's assistant manager during the Belgian's managerial stints at Anderlecht and Burnley.

The 45-year-old then jumped at the chance to manage Wales, for whom he made 78 appearances, after Rob Page's three-and-a-half-year tenure came to an end following failure to qualify for Euro 2024. 

His first match in charge saw Wales draw 0-0 at home to Turkey, three days before a 2-1 away win in Montenegro. 

Bellamy's men eventually finished top of their Nations League group without losing a single match following the win over Iceland earlier this week. 

Bellamy is yet to taste defeat after six matches in charge of the Welsh national team. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

Speaking exclusively to Odds Now via 888Sport, Saunders has heaped praise on the Welshman's positive start in the dugout.

He said: "They [Wales fans] should be excited. This is the chance that Craig Bellamy has wanted and with plenty of coaching experience under top managers, he now has the chance to perform as head coach, and the fact that it is his country is brilliant for him.

"The passion he has for the country is clearly showing and the coaching skills he has developed are proving to be a success as the players are clearly responding to his methods."

Saunders is also encouraged by the young players emerging in the Welsh squad alongside more experienced members - a blend he hopes will breed success for the small nations in the near future.

"Wales look assured and with creative talent in the attacking areas, there is plenty of optimism ahead of the next campaign.

"So with more young talent coming through and been giving chances at top clubs, this is excellent for Wales that they experience top flight football and then can progress internationally as well."

Qualifying tournaments should be Bellamy's main priority

Bellamy spent the bulk of his playing career in the English Premier League, where he enjoyed stints with numerous top-tier clubs, including Manchester City, Liverpool, Newcastle and West Ham.

The success he has enjoyed during his short tenure in the Welsh dugout has already lead to many linking with a return to English football's top-flight in a managerial capacity. 

However, Saunders says Bellamy should first focus on succeeding with the national side regardless of any ambitions he may be harbouring for the future. 

"For now he must concentrate on Wales and solely focus on getting Wales to a major tournament. This is going to be outstanding experience to manage at international level and Wales will now come across tougher opposition as they look to quality for the World Cup in 2026.

Wales bowed out of the Qatar World Cup after defeat to England in the group stage. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

"Welsh football is going from strength to strength and with what’s going on at Wrexham, hopefully more Welsh players are given the chance to come through the ranks and progress into the first team.

"The more players we can have at a top level, the better it will be for the country. For Craig himself, he may well have ambitions to manage in the Premier League, but for now keep fully focused on the job in hand at Wales, which is a great job to have!"

Wales will learn their opponents for World Cup 2026 qualifying on December 13th, when the draw is carried out in Zurich. 

Saunders was speaking exclusively to Odds Now via 888Sport.