No McKenna Celtic talks as Bellamy commits to Wales

While Wales head coach Craig Bellamy is eager to see the full potential of his side’s World Cup campaign, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna claims he has not had any conversations with Celtic regarding their managerial vacancy.

Following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation on Monday, both have been linked to the manager’s position with the Scottish champions.

McKenna referred to Celtic as “a really big football club,” but he also emphasized that he is “in the middle” of a “long-term project” with Ipswich Town.

The 39-year-old took over Ipswich in 2021 and helped them to acclaim the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they only won four games before being relegated back to the Championship, where they currently sit 12th in England’s second tier.

When asked about being on Celtic’s shortlist, the London-born former Northern Ireland youth international said, “I have not had any of those conversations.”

“I haven’t given it any thought or where I’ve spent my time this week.”

Given his boyhood allegiances, it has been suggested that McKenna would be willing to talk to Celtic.

When asked about those, he said, “We all have our affinities growing up.” Although it’s a really big football club, I don’t think everyone needs to run around and say what they’re doing.

In 2024, McKenna was reportedly asked about his reported £5 million release clause after signing a new four-year contract.

He responded, “There are things in every manager’s contract.” I don’t know what mine are, but I wouldn’t tell you anyway if I did!

“I approach this job like I’ll be Ipswich manager forever,” I said. Although I am aware that this may not always be the case, I will always do my best for the duration of my stay.

Bellamy originally signed for Celtic from Newcastle United on loan in 2005, but the former Wales international wants to complete the current World Cup campaign, which would effectively prevent the 46-year-old from taking the position immediately.

Wales is currently in third place in their qualifying group, one place behind Belgium and North Macedonia in second place.

With a successful Nations League campaign, they are almost certain of making those play-offs if they win over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November, even if they don’t come out as Group J runners-up.