🔗 Share this article

Each are being considered with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on the start of the week.

The Manager's Position on Celtic

The Ipswich boss referred to Celtic as "a really big football club" but stressed he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.

The 39-year-old took charge of Ipswich in 2021 and led them to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they won just a handful of victories last campaign as they were relegated back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier.

"There have been such conversations," the London-born former Irish young player said when questioned about being on the candidate list.

"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any part of my concentration is currently.

"I possess a unique job here at a remarkable club. And we're at a crucial phase of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't touched my awareness."

Background and Agreement Aspects

Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.

"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about these. "It's unlikely all people has to go around and declare what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big football club."

The coach signed a new multi-year deal in last year and was questioned about his reported £5m release clause.

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

"I tackle this job like I'll be Ipswich manager indefinitely. I understand that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I'll always give maximum effort as long as I remain in position."

The Welsh Coach's Situation

Bellamy represented Celtic on loan from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the former Wales forward is inclined to complete the current global tournament qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job.

The Welsh squad are presently in third place in their World Cup group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.

Wins over the minnows and their rivals in next month would book their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, thanks to a productive Nations League performance, even if they not end up their group second place.

Given his current position, the Wales manager, whose agreement concludes after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until after the play-offs at the minimum.

Key Highlights

• Kieran McKenna refutes any conversations with the Scottish club
• McKenna stresses dedication to his current club
• Craig Bellamy concentrated on international campaign
• Both coaches connected with the Glasgow position
• The Welsh coach not free until post World Cup qualifiers