No McKenna Celtic Discussions as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been linked with the Scottish champions manager position
Ipswich Town's their manager states he has had "zero discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh head coach the former striker is dedicated to seeing out his team's international campaign.
Each are being considered with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on the start of the week.
The Manager's Position on The Scottish Club
McKenna 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 back-to-back promotions, but they managed only four games last campaign as they were relegated back to the second division and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.
"There have been any of those conversations," the English capital native former Irish youth international said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any part of my focus is this week.
"I have a special position here at a special team. And we're at a really important phase of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't touched my radar."
Background and Agreement Details
Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about these. "It's unlikely all people has to go around and declare what they used to be, but naturally it's a massive sports organization."
The coach signed a fresh four-year contract in last year and was questioned about his reported £5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he replied. "I don't know what mine are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I tackle this job like I will remain Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not always going to be the case, but I will consistently give maximum effort as long as I am here."
Bellamy's Situation
The former striker played for Celtic on temporary transfer from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Welsh forward is inclined to complete the current World Cup campaign, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job.
The Welsh squad are currently third in their World Cup group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in next month would secure their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of reaching that stage, thanks to a productive European competition performance, even if they not end up their group second place.
Given his current stance, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Key Highlights
Ipswich's manager refutes having conversations with the Scottish club
McKenna stresses commitment to his current club
Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup campaign
Both coaches connected with Celtic vacancy
Bellamy unavailable until post tournament qualifiers