🔗 Share this article No McKenna Celtic FC Discussions as Bellamy Pledges to Wales Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been connected with the Scottish champions vacancy Ipswich Town's their manager says he has had "zero discussions" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh national team manager the former striker is committed to seeing out his squad's World Cup campaign. Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following the former manager's departure on the start of the week. McKenna's Stance on The Scottish Club McKenna referred to Celtic as "an enormous football club" but stressed he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town. The 39-year-old took charge of Portman Road in 2021 and led them to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last season as they were relegated back to the second division and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier. "There have been such conversations," the English capital native ex- Irish young player said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist. "It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my concentration is this week. "I have a special position here at a special club. And we're at a really important phase of the season. Everything external hasn't reached my awareness." Context and Agreement Details Reports indicate that the manager would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances. "Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when questioned about those. "I don't think everyone has to publicly and announce what they were, but naturally it's a massive sports organization." McKenna agreed to a fresh four-year contract in 2024 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, if I did, I wouldn't tell you regardless! "I approach this job like I'll be Town's coach forever. I know that's not invariably going to be the case, but I will consistently do my best as long as I am here." The Welsh Coach's Situation Bellamy represented Celtic on loan from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Welsh striker is minded to finish the current global tournament campaign, a stance that would effectively rule out the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Celtic job. The Welsh squad are presently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers Belgium and runners-up Macedonia. Victories over Liechtenstein and their rivals in next month would secure their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of making those, thanks to a productive Nations League campaign, even if they not finish as Group J runners-up. Given his current stance, Bellamy, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until after the qualifying matches at the earliest. Key Highlights Kieran McKenna refutes having talks with the Scottish club McKenna stresses commitment to Ipswich Town Wales' manager focused on international qualification Both coaches linked with the Glasgow vacancy Bellamy unavailable until after tournament qualifiers