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Each have been linked with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' departure on the start of the week.

McKenna's Position on The Scottish Club

The Ipswich boss referred to the Glasgow giants as "a really big football club" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.

The mid-thirties took charge of Ipswich in 2021 and guided the team to the English top flight with back-to-back promotions, but they won just a handful of victories last season as they were relegated back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.

"There have been such discussions," the London-born former Irish youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list.

"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my concentration is currently.

"I possess a special position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a really important stage of the season. Anything external hasn't touched my awareness."

Context and Agreement Details

It has been suggested that McKenna would be willing to talk to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.

"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to publicly and announce what they were, but of course it's a massive football club."

The coach agreed to a fresh multi-year deal in last year and was questioned about his reported £5m release clause.

"In every manager's contract, there are things," he replied. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!

"I tackle this job like I'll be Town's coach forever. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently do my best as long as I remain in position."

Bellamy's Situation

Bellamy represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Wales forward is minded to finish the ongoing World Cup campaign, a stance that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from assuming the Glasgow position.

The Welsh squad are currently in third place in their qualifying group behind leaders Belgium and runners-up North Macedonia.

Victories over the minnows and North Macedonia in next month would secure their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, due to a productive European competition performance, even if they fail to finish as Group J second place.

Given his current position, Bellamy, whose agreement concludes after the European Championship, would not be available until after the play-offs at the minimum.

Key Highlights

• Kieran McKenna denies having conversations with the Scottish club
• McKenna emphasizes commitment to Ipswich Town
• Craig Bellamy focused on World Cup campaign
• Both managers connected with Celtic vacancy
• The Welsh coach unavailable until post World Cup matches