THE Commonwealth Games were a resounding success for Glasgow.

The profile of the city, and Scotland as a whole, has never been higher. And there has been significant regeneration of some of the city's most run-down areas.

So why should the same not happen in Wales?

As we reported yesterday, Sport Wales believes the country should bid to host the Games in 2026.

In the immediate afterglow of a record-beating medals haul, it might be too easy to go along with the argument.

But, if Glasgow's example is followed, it makes sense.

A Welsh bid would need to be a three-city affair with events in Cardiff, Swansea and Newport.

Newport already has the Wales National Velodrome and by then will most likely have a well-established international conference centre at the Celtic Manor Resort that could host a number of indoor sports such as boxing and gymnastics.

The next Games, in 2018, are being staged in the Gold Coast region of Australia rather than a specific host city, so the precedent of a multi-venue event will have been set.

Yes, staging the Commonwealth Games will involve a significant investment of public funds. But such investment has had long-term benefits for Manchester and that looks to be the case for Glasgow.

By 2026, it will be almost 70 years since Wales last staged the Games. Let's be brave and do it again.