No McKenna Celtic FC Discussions as Bellamy Commits to Welsh National Team
Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Celtic manager position
Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna says he has had "zero conversations" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Wales head coach the former striker is dedicated to completing his squad's World Cup campaign.
Each are being considered with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' departure on the start of the week.
McKenna's Stance on Celtic
McKenna described Celtic as "a really big 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 recent years and guided the team to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they managed only four games last campaign as they were demoted back to the second division and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier.
"There have been such discussions," the London-born former Northern Ireland youth international said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my concentration is currently.
"I possess a unique job here at a special club. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Everything outside of that hasn't reached my radar."
Context and Contractual Details
Reports indicate that the manager would be open to speaking to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when questioned about those. "I don't think everyone has to publicly and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big sports organization."
McKenna agreed to a new four-year contract in last year and was asked about his reported £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I don't know what mine are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you regardless!
"I approach this job like I will remain Town's coach forever. I understand that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I'll always give maximum effort as long as I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Position
The former striker represented Celtic on loan from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Wales forward is inclined to finish the ongoing global tournament qualification, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.
Wales are currently in third place in their qualifying group behind leaders the Red Devils and second-placed North Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and North Macedonia in November would secure their position in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually guaranteed of making those, due to a productive Nations League performance, even if they fail to end up Group J second place.
Considering his present stance, Bellamy, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the play-offs at the minimum.
Important Highlights
- Kieran McKenna denies any conversations with the Scottish club
- The coach emphasizes dedication to his current club
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on World Cup qualification
- Each coaches linked with the Glasgow position
- The Welsh coach not free until after tournament qualifiers