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Former Wales captain Craig Bellamy played for the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City Craig Bellamy has underlined his commitment to staying on as Wales head coach, describing it as the best job in the world. Wales missed out on World Cup qualification in agonising fashion last Thursday, losing their play-off semi-final to Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties. Bellamy, who was appointed in July 2024, is contracted until 2028 but has been linked with clubs including Celtic. However, the 46-year-old has distanced himself from such speculation and wants to lead Wales at Euro 2028, which they will co-host with England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. "The heartbreak is actually more than I anticipated, but the energy to refocus and go again is definitely still there, " said Bellamy. "I really enjoy this. We'll talk more after it [Tuesday's friendly against Northern Ireland] probably because my mind is just so focused on the present moment. But it's the best role in the world. "Nothing will ever compare to this so why would I want to wish it away? I've really enjoyed doing this and I still do. " What next for Bellamy and Wales after World Cup agony? Brunt critical of 'ridiculous' Wales friendly Bellamy rues Wales chaos but sees bright future Following Thursday's defeat, Wales will not contest Tuesday's play-off final against Italy but will instead host Northern Ireland – who lost to the Azzurri in the other semi-final – in a friendly at Cardiff City Stadium. Wales will be without midfielders Jordan James and Rubin Colwill, who have returned to Leicester City and Cardiff City respectively to have injuries assessed. Leeds United winger Daniel James is also a fitness doubt, while Northern Ireland have been hit by the withdrawals of Ali Mc Cann, Ruairi Mc Conville, Paddy Mc Nair and Bailey Peacock-Farrell. Given the teams' respective defeats on Thursday, their friendly encounter has been met with apathy on both sides. Bellamy, however, wants his team to put their World Cup heartache to one side on Tuesday and give a good account of themselves against opponents 35 places below them in the world rankings. "It has really hurt. I have to be honest, it's hurt more than I anticipated, " the former Wales captain added. "When you see them [Wales players] hurting so much, that hurts more. Seeing their disappointment really shook me. "If it's going to hurt for a couple of days, then let it hurt, and then we move forward. "Learn from the past and then, moving forward, look at motivation. We've got a lot to look forward to, and we've got to start looking forward now because the simple fact is we have a game tomorrow night. " This video can not be played Highlights: Wales' World Cup dream ended by Bosnia-Herzegovina and penalties Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser De Zerbi in advanced talks to become Spurs manager Will crash shake golf from its dependency on Woods? Tuchel not angry over England withdrawals Ruth Jones as the late Carry On actress Hattie Jacques Tim Peake's quick update ahead of Artemis II's launch A gruelling final battle for the Gladiators Champion 2026 title Searching for answers decades on from an unsolved death Why Sky's TV picks are causing a massive headache for match-going fans Spurs have addressed their Tudor error - but cannot afford another 75% of fans oppose VAR in Premier League, says FSA Shades of Gascoigne - the rise of England's Anderson What can F1's bosses do to help keep Verstappen in the sport? Another crash, another bleary-eyed mugshot - what now for Woods? BBC Sport experts choose England World Cup XIs - who would you pick? Unbeaten Itauma knocks out Franklin. Video Unbeaten Itauma knocks out Franklin Why are Scotland playing Ivory Coast in Liverpool? Were England players really 'playing for themselves' against Uruguay? Mary Rand - the trailblazing Olympic champion The remarkable return of Roy Hodgson aged 78 Does Chukwuemeka show the demise of the 90-minute player? 'Kicked to the kerb' - is boxing failing its heroes? Fabregas, film stars and Disney: How Como are disrupting Italian football. Video Fabregas, film stars and Disney: How Como are disrupting Italian football Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.