Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic FC Discussions as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been connected with the Celtic manager position
The Championship club's Kieran McKenna says he has had "zero conversations" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh head coach the former striker is committed to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign.
Each are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on the start of the week.
The Manager's Stance on Celtic
McKenna referred to Celtic as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.
The 39-year-old took charge of Portman Road in 2021 and led them to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were demoted back to the second division and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier.
"I have not had such discussions," the London-born ex- Northern Ireland young player said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any part of my focus is currently.
"I have a special job here at a special team. And we're at a really important stage of the season. Anything outside of that hasn't touched my radar."
Background and Agreement Details
It has been suggested 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 questioned about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a massive football club."
The coach signed a fresh multi-year deal in last year and was questioned about his reported buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I approach this job like I will remain Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently do my best as long as I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
The former striker played for Celtic on temporary transfer from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Welsh striker is inclined to complete the ongoing World Cup qualification, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.
Wales are currently third in their qualifying group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.
Wins over the minnows and North Macedonia in November would secure their place 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 end up Group J runners-up.
Considering his present stance, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the play-offs at the minimum.
Important Points
- Ipswich's manager refutes any conversations with the Scottish club
- McKenna stresses commitment to his current club
- Craig Bellamy focused on international campaign
- Both coaches connected with the Glasgow vacancy
- The Welsh coach unavailable until post World Cup qualifiers