No Kieran McKenna Celtic Talks as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Celtic vacancy
Ipswich Town's their manager states he has had "no conversations" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Wales head coach the former striker is committed to completing his squad's international campaign.
Each have been linked with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on Monday.
McKenna's Stance on Celtic
The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "a really big football club" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" 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 relegated back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in the Championship.
"There have been any of those conversations," the London-born ex- Northern Ireland young player said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my concentration is currently.
"I possess a unique position here at a special club. And we're at a crucial phase of the campaign. Anything external hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Agreement 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 those. "I don't think everyone has to go around and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a massive sports organization."
The coach agreed to a fresh four-year contract in last year and was asked about his alleged buyout clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he responded. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I tackle this role like I will remain Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not always going to be the situation, but I'll always give maximum effort as while I am here."
Bellamy's Situation
The former striker represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Welsh striker is inclined to finish the ongoing global tournament campaign, a position that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are presently third in their World Cup group behind leaders the Red Devils and runners-up North Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and their rivals in next month would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually assured of making those, due to a productive Nations League campaign, even if they fail to end up their group runners-up.
Given his present position, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the minimum.
Important Points
- Kieran McKenna refutes having conversations with the Scottish club
- The coach emphasizes commitment to his current club
- Craig Bellamy focused on World Cup qualification
- Each managers linked with Celtic position
- Bellamy unavailable until post tournament matches
