No Kieran McKenna Celtic Talks as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Wales

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

The Manager's Position on The Scottish Club

The Ipswich boss referred to Celtic as "an enormous soccer institution" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.

The mid-thirties took charge of Portman Road in recent years and guided the team to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in the Championship.

"There have been such discussions," the London-born ex- Northern Ireland youth international said when questioned about being on the candidate list.

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

"I have a unique job here at a special club. And we're at a crucial phase of the season. Everything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness."

Background and Contractual Details

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

"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when questioned about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to publicly and declare 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 questioned about his alleged buyout clause.

"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you regardless!

"I tackle this job like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I know that's not always going to be the case, but I'll always do my best as long as I am here."

The Welsh Coach's Situation

Bellamy played for the Hoops on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Wales forward is inclined to finish the current global tournament qualification, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.

Wales are currently in third place in their qualifying group behind leaders Belgium 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 guaranteed of reaching that stage, thanks to a successful European competition campaign, should they fail to finish as Group J runners-up.

Given his current position, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the earliest.

Key Highlights

• Ipswich's manager refutes having conversations with Celtic
• The coach emphasizes commitment to Ipswich Town
• Craig Bellamy concentrated on international campaign
• Each managers connected with the Glasgow position
• Bellamy unavailable until after tournament qualifiers