No Kieran McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been linked with the Celtic vacancy
The Championship club's their manager states he has had "no conversations" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Welsh national team manager the former striker is dedicated to completing his team's international campaign.
Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following the former manager's resignation on the start of the week.
McKenna's Position on The Scottish Club
McKenna described the Glasgow giants as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Portman Road in recent years and led them to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games 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 Irish youth international said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any part of my focus is currently.
"I have a special position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Anything external hasn't reached my awareness."
Context and Contractual Aspects
It has been suggested that the manager would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about these. "It's unlikely all people has to go around and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big football club."
McKenna signed a fresh multi-year deal in last year and was questioned about his alleged buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he responded. "I don't know what mine are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I approach this role like I will remain Town's coach indefinitely. I understand that's not always going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I am here."
Bellamy's Situation
Bellamy played for the Hoops on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Welsh forward is inclined to finish the current global tournament campaign, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are presently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers the Red Devils and runners-up Macedonia.
Wins over the minnows and North Macedonia in November would book their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, thanks to a productive European competition campaign, should they not end up Group J second place.
Given his present position, Bellamy, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the minimum.
Important Highlights
- Ipswich's manager refutes any talks with Celtic
- McKenna stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
- Wales' manager focused on World Cup qualification
- Each managers linked with the Glasgow vacancy
- Bellamy unavailable until post tournament qualifiers