No McKenna Celtic FC Discussions as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been connected with the Scottish champions manager position
The Championship club's Kieran McKenna states he has had "no conversations" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh head coach the former striker is dedicated to completing his team's international campaign.
Both are being considered with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following the former manager's resignation on the start of the week.
The Manager's Stance on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss referred to Celtic as "a really big soccer institution" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Ipswich in 2021 and led them to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only a handful of victories last season as they were demoted back to the Championship and they currently sit 12th in the Championship.
"There have been such discussions," the London-born former 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 this week.
"I have a unique position here at a special team. And we're at a crucial phase of the campaign. Everything outside of that hasn't reached my radar."
Context and Contractual Details
It has been suggested that McKenna would be willing to talk to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about these. "It's unlikely all people has to go around and announce what they were, but of course it's a really big football club."
The coach agreed to a fresh four-year contract in last year and was questioned about his alleged £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are things," he responded. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I approach this job like I'll be Town's coach forever. I understand that's not always going to be the situation, but I'll always do my best as long as I am here."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
Bellamy played for Celtic on temporary transfer from the Magpies 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 assuming the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are presently in third place in their qualifying group behind leaders the Red Devils and second-placed North Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in next month would book their position in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually assured of reaching that stage, thanks to a productive Nations League campaign, should they fail to finish as Group J runners-up.
Considering his current position, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the minimum.
Important Highlights
- Kieran McKenna denies any talks with Celtic
- McKenna stresses commitment to his current club
- Wales' manager concentrated on international campaign
- Both managers connected with the Glasgow vacancy
- Bellamy unavailable until after tournament qualifiers