Zero McKenna Celtic Talks as Craig Bellamy Commits to Welsh National Team

Both are being considered with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following the former manager's resignation on Monday.

The Manager's Stance on Celtic

The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "a really big soccer institution" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.

The 39-year-old took charge of Ipswich in recent years and led them to the English top flight with back-to-back promotions, but they won just a handful of victories last season as they were demoted back to the second division and they presently occupy 12th in the Championship.

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

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

"I have a unique position here at a special team. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Everything external hasn't reached my radar."

Context and Agreement Aspects

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

"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "I don't think all people has to publicly and declare what they used to be, but naturally it's a massive sports organization."

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

"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!

"I tackle this role like I'll be Ipswich manager indefinitely. I understand that's not invariably going to be the case, but I will consistently do my best as while I remain in position."

The Welsh Coach's Situation

The former striker played for the Hoops on loan from the Magpies in 2005, but the former Wales forward is minded to finish the ongoing global tournament qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.

Wales are presently third in their qualifying group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed Macedonia.

Victories over Liechtenstein and their rivals in November would secure their position in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, thanks to a productive European competition performance, should they fail to end up their group second place.

Given his present position, the Wales manager, whose agreement concludes after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the minimum.

Key Points

• Kieran McKenna refutes any talks with Celtic
• The coach stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
• Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup qualification
• Each coaches linked with the Glasgow position
• Bellamy unavailable until after tournament qualifiers