Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic Talks as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been linked with the Scottish champions manager position
The Championship club's Kieran McKenna states he has had "zero conversations" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Wales head coach Craig Bellamy is committed to seeing out his squad's international campaign.
Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' departure on Monday.
The Manager's Position on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss referred to Celtic as "a really big soccer institution" 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 won just a handful of victories last campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.
"There have been such discussions," the English capital native ex- Northern Ireland youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my concentration is this week.
"I have a special position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial stage of the season. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness."
Context and Agreement Details
Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "I don't think all people has to publicly and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big football club."
McKenna agreed to a fresh four-year contract in 2024 and was asked about his reported buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!
"I approach this role like I'll be Ipswich manager indefinitely. 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 played for Celtic on loan from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Welsh forward is inclined to finish the ongoing World Cup campaign, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
Wales are presently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers Belgium and runners-up Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and their rivals in next month would secure their position in the final qualifying round, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, thanks to a productive Nations League campaign, even if they not finish as Group J runners-up.
Given his current stance, the Wales manager, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until after the qualifying matches at the minimum.
Important Points
- Ipswich's manager denies having conversations with Celtic
- The coach stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on international campaign
- Each coaches connected with Celtic vacancy
- The Welsh coach unavailable until post World Cup qualifiers