🔗 Share this article No Kieran McKenna Celtic FC Talks as 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 "no discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh national team manager the former striker is committed to completing his team's international campaign. Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on the start of the week. McKenna's Position on The Scottish Club McKenna described Celtic as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town. The 39-year-old assumed control of Portman Road in recent years and guided the team to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they won just a handful of victories last season as they were relegated back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier. "There have been such conversations," the London-born ex- Northern Ireland youth international said when questioned 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 possess a special position here at a special club. And we're at a crucial phase of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness." Background and Contractual Details It has been suggested that McKenna would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances. "During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to publicly and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a massive sports organization." McKenna agreed to a new four-year contract in last year and was asked about his reported £5m release clause. "Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he responded. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway! "I tackle this role like I'll be Town's coach forever. I understand that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I'll always do my best as long as I remain in position." The Welsh Coach's Situation The former striker played for Celtic on loan from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Wales forward is minded to finish the current World Cup campaign, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job. The Welsh squad are currently in third place in their World Cup group behind group toppers Belgium and runners-up North Macedonia. Victories over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in next month would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but assured of making those, due to a successful Nations League campaign, should they fail to finish as their group second place. Given his present position, Bellamy, whose agreement concludes after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the minimum. Key Points Kieran McKenna denies having conversations with Celtic The coach emphasizes commitment to his current club Wales' manager focused on World Cup qualification Both managers connected with Celtic vacancy The Welsh coach not free until after tournament matches