No McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team

Each are being considered with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following the former manager's departure on the start of the week.

McKenna's Stance on The Scottish Club

McKenna referred to 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 recent years and guided the team to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier.

"There have been any of those conversations," the London-born former Irish young player said when asked about being on the candidate list.

"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my focus is currently.

"I possess a special job here at a special club. And we're at a really important stage of the season. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my radar."

Background and Agreement 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 questioned about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to publicly and declare what they were, but naturally it's a massive football club."

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

"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he replied. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!

"I approach this job like I will remain 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 Position

Bellamy played for Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Wales forward is inclined to finish the ongoing World Cup qualification, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.

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

Victories over Liechtenstein and their rivals in November would book their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually assured of reaching that stage, due to a productive European competition campaign, should they not finish as Group J runners-up.

Considering his current stance, Bellamy, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the play-offs at the minimum.

Key Highlights

• Kieran McKenna refutes having conversations with Celtic
• The coach stresses dedication to his current club
• Wales' manager concentrated on international qualification
• Each managers linked with Celtic vacancy
• The Welsh coach not free until post tournament qualifiers