🔗 Share this article

Both are being considered with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's departure on Monday.

The Manager's Stance on The Scottish Club

The Ipswich boss referred to the Glasgow giants as "a really big football club" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.

The 39-year-old assumed control of Ipswich in 2021 and guided the team to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in the Championship.

"There have been any of those discussions," the English capital native former Irish young player said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist.

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

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

Context and Contractual Aspects

Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.

"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about these. "I don't think all people has to publicly 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 responded. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!

"I approach this job like I'll be Ipswich manager indefinitely. I understand that's not always going to be the case, but I'll always give maximum effort as long as I am here."

The Welsh Coach's Position

The former striker represented the Hoops on loan from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Wales striker is inclined to complete the ongoing global tournament campaign, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.

The Welsh squad are presently in third place in their qualifying group behind group toppers Belgium and runners-up Macedonia.

Victories over Liechtenstein and their rivals in next month would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, due to a productive European competition performance, should they fail to finish as Group J runners-up.

Given his current position, Bellamy, whose agreement concludes after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until after the qualifying matches at the minimum.

Important Highlights

• Kieran McKenna denies any conversations with Celtic
• McKenna stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
• Craig Bellamy focused on international qualification
• Both managers linked with the Glasgow position
• Bellamy not free until after tournament qualifiers