🔗 Share this article No Kieran McKenna Celtic FC Discussions as Bellamy Commits to Welsh National Team Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Celtic manager position Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna states he has had "zero conversations" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Wales head coach Craig Bellamy is dedicated to completing his squad's international campaign. Each have been linked with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following the former manager's resignation on the start of the week. McKenna's Stance on The Scottish Club McKenna referred to the Glasgow giants as "a really big soccer institution" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side. The 39-year-old took charge of Ipswich in recent years and guided the team to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only four games last campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in England's second tier. "I have not had such discussions," the London-born former Northern Ireland youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list. "This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my concentration is this week. "I have a special position here at a remarkable club. And we're at a crucial stage of the campaign. Everything external hasn't reached my radar." Context and Contractual Aspects Reports indicate that McKenna 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 go around and announce what they used to be, but of course it's a massive sports organization." The coach signed a new multi-year deal in 2024 and was questioned about his alleged £5m release clause. "In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway! "I approach this job like I will remain Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not always going to be the case, but I will consistently do my best as while I remain in position." The Welsh Coach's Situation The former striker played for the Hoops on loan from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Welsh striker is inclined to finish the current global tournament qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job. The Welsh squad are currently in third place in their qualifying group behind group toppers the Red Devils and runners-up Macedonia. Wins over the minnows and their rivals in November would secure their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, thanks to a productive Nations League campaign, should they fail to finish as their group second place. Given his present position, the Wales manager, whose agreement concludes after the European Championship, would not be available until after the play-offs at the minimum. Important Highlights Kieran McKenna refutes having conversations with the Scottish club The coach stresses commitment to Ipswich Town Wales' manager concentrated on international qualification Both coaches linked with the Glasgow vacancy The Welsh coach not free until post World Cup matches