🔗 Share this article Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic Discussions as Bellamy Commits to Wales Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Scottish champions manager position Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna states he has had "zero discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh national team manager Craig Bellamy is dedicated to completing his squad's international campaign. Both have been linked with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' departure on Monday. McKenna's Stance on The Scottish Club The Ipswich boss described Celtic as "a really big soccer institution" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side. The 39-year-old assumed control of Ipswich in 2021 and guided the team to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were relegated back to the second division and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier. "There have been any of those discussions," the English capital native former Northern Ireland youth international said when questioned about being on the candidate list. "It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any part of my concentration is currently. "I have a special job here at a special club. And we're at a crucial stage of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my radar." Background and Contractual Aspects Reports indicate that McKenna would be open to speaking to Celtic given his childhood support. "Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely all people has to publicly and declare what they used to be, but naturally it's a massive football club." The coach agreed to a fresh four-year contract in 2024 and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause. "In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you regardless! "I approach this job like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I know that's not always going to be the case, but I will consistently do my best as while I remain in position." Bellamy's Situation The former striker played for Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Welsh striker is minded to finish the ongoing global tournament qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from assuming the Glasgow position. Wales are presently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia. Wins over the minnows and North Macedonia in next month would book their position in the final qualifying round, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, thanks to a productive European competition performance, should they fail to end up Group J runners-up. Considering his current position, Bellamy, whose agreement expires after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until after the qualifying matches at the minimum. Key Highlights Kieran McKenna denies having conversations with Celtic The coach emphasizes commitment to his current club Craig Bellamy concentrated on World Cup campaign Each coaches connected with the Glasgow vacancy Bellamy unavailable until post World Cup matches