[Player Pics]

Controversial Welsh international striker Craig Bellamy was a shock transfer deadline day loan signing on January 31st 2005.

Bellamy's move to Parkhead was a typically last-gasp Martin O'Neill transfer deal which had Celtic supporters glued to the internet and radio right up to the final hours of deadline day. The shock move came about due to Bellamy's well-publicised falling out with then Newcastle boss Graeme Souness who had vowed the forward would never play for him again.

Bellamy's very public loathing of the former Rangers boss and his declared love of Celtic made him an instant hit with the support, although he was less than impressive on his league debut - a 2-0 defeat to Rangers at Parkhead on February 20th. However it wasn't long before Bellamy was stamping his undoubted quality on Celtic performances.

Fantastic pace, a tigerish attitude and no shortage of skill made Bellamy a nightmare for defenders. He quickly became a massive asset for Celtic and his performances in the Hoops coupled with a swaggering confidence made him a hugely popular figure. A fantastic hat-trick in a 3-2 victory at Dundee United and a wonderful goal at Ibrox in a 1-0 triumph saw the Welshman put the Bhoys on the verge of another Championship.

However Celtic were to suffer a fatal loss of form and on the final day of the season Bellamy and his team-mates misfired badly in a 2-1 loss at Motherwell which gifted the title to Rangers. A Scottish Cup final triumph followed but it was in truth an anti-climax and scant reward for a player who had produced some inspiring displays for the Bhoys in his brief time at Parkhead.

With Bellamy's loan period over their were some hopes that the player would remain with the Hoops and he certainly made it clear that he would warmly welcome a permanent deal. Sadly Celtic could simply not afford Bellamy and the player moved from Newcastle to Blackburn. He would move on again to West Ham but it is doubtful that the affection and form displayed during his time as a Bhoy will ever be matched.




Craig Bellamy
Height 5.09
Weight 10.10
Date of birth 13-07-1979
Place of birth Cardiff
Position Forward
Nationality Wales




Celtic Record



Quotes
"Celtic Park is one of the greatest stadiums in the world and i would love to go back up there,my time there was one of the highlights of my career and who knows what could have happend but i would recommend that club and to player and to play against rangers in an old firm derby is a must for any footballer"
(Craig Bellamy on Talksport 15 Dec 06)

"Chris [Sutton] doesn't like anyone's company, " joked O'Neill (Celtic Manager) "So if he likes Bellamy that is a major plus. If he passes the Sutton test, then he should pass anything."