FORMER Celtic striker Craig Bellamy believes that Brendan Rodgers will struggle to get another top English Premier League job as nobody south of the border cares about Scottish football.

The Welshman felt that he became a forgotten man after moving to Parkhead on loan in 2005 and believes that Rodgers could suffer the same fate. 

Speaking to Paddy Power News, Bellamy underlined his doubts that the former Liverpool boss will get the credit he deserves for the work he has done so far, despite winning a domestic treble in his debut campaign.

Read more: Derek Rae: Rangers should accept role as underdogs to Celtic

"Brendan Rodgers couldn’t have done any more than he did with Celtic last season," said Bellamy. 

"His reputation of a great coach is there, but getting one of the top jobs again in the Premier League might be difficult for him. 

"Mainly because, and I found this out during my time in Scotland, it doesn’t matter what you do up there – no one cares. I had more offers in January, before I went to Celtic, than I did when I finished my time up there the following summer. 

"That’s because once you went up to Scotland nobody in England gave a damn what you did up there. If you do well up there, it’s a case of ‘so you should’. I just didn’t feel it mattered to anyone down south."

The 38-year-old also suggested that the Bhoys' record-breaking run 'isn't real' given the lack of competition from rivals Rangers and the rest of the league.

"There was always going to be a gap after what happened to Rangers and it hasn’t helped Celtic," he said.

"I know Celtic will say they’ve had their best run ever, but you can’t class this side with the one from the Sixties. 

Read more: Derek Rae: Rangers should accept role as underdogs to Celtic

"You can’t do that because it’s not fair and it isn’t real. Celtic need a strong Rangers.

"The days are gone where they could have an impact on Europe. The team of 2003 with Henrik Larsson in it, which got to a European final, unfortunately I just don’t believe we’re going to see that for a while. 

"Not until Rangers get up there somewhere near them again and really become competition to push Celtic on. 

"The challenge for the Hoops in Scotland just isn’t there anymore and it could take Rangers another three or so years to get back up there with them again."

Bellamy has backed a hypothetical move into English football for the two Glasgow giants, believing that they would improve the Premier League even if it was necessary to climb up the divisions first. 

He said: "Even if Celtic and Rangers were only offered a place in the lower leagues, they should get in there. Those two clubs would be in the Premier League in no time.

Read more: Derek Rae: Rangers should accept role as underdogs to Celtic

"They are that big, they’re that well followed that they’d climb their way up as quick as possible. 

"The Old Firm clubs would be a huge asset to the Premier League and it would be a game changer for Celtic and Rangers, too. 

"I’d feel for Scottish football if it happened, but when I look at the two Glasgow giants the only real future they have is to get themselves down south. 

"I’m not sure it will ever come to pass, but I hang on it happening. I’m not a religious man, far from it, but I pray for that moment to come that Celtic and Rangers come down. 

"Mainly because it would be brilliant for both the Premier League and those two clubs. We think we’ve got a great Premier League now, it would be even better if we had Celtic and Rangers in it."

Craig Bellamy was speaking exclusively to Paddy Power News. To read more, visit news.paddypower.com