🔗 Share this article

Each have been linked with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' departure on Monday.

McKenna's Stance on Celtic

The Ipswich boss described Celtic as "an enormous football club" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.

The mid-thirties took charge of Portman Road in 2021 and led them to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last season as they were relegated back to the second division and they currently sit 12th in the Championship.

"There have been any of those discussions," the London-born ex- Northern Ireland young player said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist.

"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any part of my focus is this week.

"I possess a unique job here at a special club. And we're at a crucial stage of the campaign. Anything external hasn't reached my awareness."

Context and Contractual Details

It has been suggested that the manager would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.

"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and announce what they were, but of course it's a really big sports organization."

The coach agreed to a fresh four-year contract in 2024 and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause.

"In every manager's contract, there are things," he replied. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!

"I tackle this role like I'll be Town's coach indefinitely. I understand that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I am here."

The Welsh Coach's Position

Bellamy represented the Hoops on loan from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the former Wales striker is minded to complete the current global tournament qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.

The Welsh squad are currently third in their World Cup group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed North Macedonia.

Victories over the minnows and their rivals in next month would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, thanks to a productive European competition performance, even if they not finish as Group J runners-up.

Given his current position, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after the European Championship, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the minimum.

Important Points

• Kieran McKenna refutes having talks with the Scottish club
• The coach emphasizes dedication to his current club
• Craig Bellamy focused on World Cup campaign
• Both managers connected with the Glasgow position
• The Welsh coach unavailable until after World Cup qualifiers