Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Craig Bellamy Commits to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been connected with the Celtic vacancy
The Championship club's Kieran McKenna says he has had "zero discussions" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Wales head coach Craig Bellamy is dedicated to completing his squad's World Cup campaign.
Both are being considered with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' departure on Monday.
McKenna's Stance on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "a really big football club" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old took charge of Ipswich in 2021 and led them to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were relegated back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in the Championship.
"There have been any of those conversations," the English capital native ex- Northern Ireland youth international said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my focus is currently.
"I possess a special position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Everything external hasn't touched my awareness."
Background and Contractual Details
It has been suggested that the manager would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about these. "It's unlikely all people has to go around and declare what they used to be, but of course it's a really big football club."
The coach signed a fresh multi-year deal in 2024 and was asked about his reported £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are things," he replied. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!
"I tackle this job like I'll be Town's coach forever. I know that's not always going to be the case, but I will consistently do my best as long as I am here."
Bellamy's Situation
The former striker represented Celtic on loan from Newcastle United in 2005, but the ex- Wales striker is minded to finish the ongoing global tournament qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.
The Welsh squad are currently in third place in their qualifying group behind leaders the Red Devils and second-placed Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in next month would secure their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of reaching that stage, due to a productive European competition campaign, even if they not end up Group J second place.
Considering his current stance, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the play-offs at the earliest.
Important Highlights
- Ipswich's manager refutes having conversations with Celtic
- McKenna emphasizes commitment to his current club
- Wales' manager concentrated on international campaign
- Each coaches connected with the Glasgow vacancy
- The Welsh coach not free until post tournament matches